Published by: Jean Ashley Lugod
Date Published: December 23, 2024
Time Published: 6:04 PM
Over the years, the United States of America and the Philippines have consistently partnered together to explore economic opportunities for both countries. The bilateral relations of these two countries are defined by multiple agreements that require both parties to fulfill. It is evident that the partnership between these nations has truly been strengthened by President Joe Biden during his term as he welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines to the White House last year and in May this year. But will the new president-elect Donald Trump demonstrate the same degree of commitment to the US-PH relationship as the Biden administration did?
In a surprising turn that defied pollsters and political analysts, Donald Trump clinched a decisive victory in the recent presidential election that was held on November 5, 2024. His victory was declared after capturing several swing states that determined the winner of the 2024 US election. The Democratic party candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, promised a peaceful transfer of power soon after the results of the election [1]. With this presidential outcome, the ties between our country and the US may pose particular problems as president-elect Donald Trump is someone who carries a different objective towards this alliance. Unlike Vice President Kamala Harris who promises continuous commitment to alliance, Donald Trump could complicate the relations between the United States and the Philippines due to his protectionist policies.
Among the concerns of our country regarding Trump’s administration are the territorial claims in the South China Sea. This year, Washington has allocated $500 million of foreign military financing to the Philippines to help improve the armed forces and coast guard of the nation amidst the aggressive actions from China [2]. However, it is known that the US sees China as their biggest competition which is why Trump would most likely prioritize competing with his rival nation. Not only will this lead to sharing the burden to us, but it will also test the dedication of the US under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
Aside from territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Trump’s return to the US presidency will most likely have an effect on the global economy as he vowed to impose a 60% tariff on products that are from China and a 10% to 20% tariff on all foreign goods [3]. It is no doubt that these tariffs could greatly affect the growth of our economy since it will cause major increases in prices that could lead to job losses. We can hope for now that the US won't proceed with this plan as it will just reduce the purchasing power of many consumers around the world.
We have yet to watch Trump’s second administration unfold, but all we know is that it could create both challenges and opportunities for our country. It is undeniable that we have benefited greatly from our ties with the US which is why our country must continue strengthening our relationship with them. But even if our nation is highly dependent on the US, especially when our exclusive economic zone is at stake, we should learn not to rely on them all the time. Instead, we should let our country stand up on its own because at the end of the day, we are the most capable of defending our nation. We must maintain our devotion to the Philippines, like how diplomatic networks and foreign policy should always be prepared for what’s to come in the current Trump administration. His presidency poses a lot of questions for the Philippines that directly affects us which is why it is important for us Filipinos to care about our relations with the US.
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