Cebu City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he would meet with United States (US) President Donald Trump to discuss the latter’s new policies on foreign assistance, trade, defense and security, and immigration. Marcos, in a media interview in Cebu City, confirmed his plan to meet with Trump.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated, “I will meet with President Trump because I should. Because there’s much that we need to discuss between the US and the Philippines in terms of trade, in terms of defense and security, and now the new policy on immigration.” He emphasized the necessity of addressing immigration issues, noting that “about a few hundred Filipinos have been sent home. This is something that we have to work through and hopefully resolve because the Filipinos in the United States, especially, have really formed an important part already of their workforce.”

Marcos mentioned that the Philippine government would seek ways to influence US policy-making regarding immigration. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) previously indicated that it is “almost impossible” for the estimated 300,000 Filipinos without legal status in the US to be deported by the end of the Trump administration. The DFA also noted that during the first Trump presidency, the US deported “only a few hundred or less” undocumented Filipinos each month.

Regarding the US’ temporary suspension of foreign assistance, Marcos expressed that it is “hard to comment” on the matter due to the policy’s lack of clarity. “It’s very unclear what it is. It’s even the agencies in the US government, hindi nila naintindihan (they do not understand) what it means – ano ‘yung tatamaan, saan babawasan ang aid funds (what will be affected and where will the funds be deducted),” he explained. Marcos expressed hope that with time, these policies would become clearer, allowing for more productive discussions with President Trump.

Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez stated that Marcos’ scheduled meeting with Trump has no definite date yet.