Manila: A visiting United States Senate delegation has reaffirmed its commitment and support for the Philippine-United States alliance under the second Trump administration, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo stated Tuesday. US Senators John Peter Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Christopher Coons (D-Delaware), and Theodore Paul Budd (R-North Carolina) met with Manalo on Monday to discuss defense cooperation, economic security, and economic resilience, among other topics.

According to Philippine News Agency, the meeting concluded with the US Congressional delegation emphasizing their commitment to the Philippines-US alliance. Manalo shared details of the meeting on X (Twitter), noting the discussions included US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). However, the DFA has yet to provide specific details of the meeting.

In March, Ricketts highlighted the significance of Indo-Pacific allies like the Philippines given the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region. He praised Manila’s determination in countering Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea despite being at a disadvantage both militarily and economically.

Coons has been vocal about the pause in the majority of US foreign assistance programs, including a counterterrorism initiative in the Philippines aimed at reducing recruitment and radicalization. On the 73rd anniversary of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty in September 2024, both Ricketts and Coons introduced a US Senate resolution reaffirming Washington, D.C.’s commitment to defending the Philippines in the event of an armed attack on its forces, vessels, or aircraft, including the Philippine Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea.

Ricketts emphasized the importance of sending a clear message to Beijing that the United States stands with the Philippines and will act to restore deterrence. Coons expressed his support for the Filipino people in their efforts to defend their territorial sovereignty and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Coons and Ricketts serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, while Budd is involved in various committees, including Armed Services, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation.