President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flies to Washington today for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, in a bid to arrive at a “mutually beneficial” trade deal amid the proposed 20 percent US tariff on Philippine exports.
The three-day visit, from July 20 to 22, is being held at the invitation of Trump. It also marks the first time a Southeast Asian head of state will meet with the US leader since his return to office earlier this year.
“The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the Philippines-United States alliance, to proactively engage the US in all aspects of the relations, and seize opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said.
Solano said the trip aims to reinforce the decades-long alliance between Manila and Washington that will allow both countries to “seize opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation.”
A major item on the agenda is the White House bilateral meeting on July 22, where both leaders are expected to tackle the tariff issue, as well as regional security, investment, and defense partnerships.
The President is also set to meet with US State Secretary Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21.
Several American companies seeking to invest in Philippine industries, including energy, infrastructure, and technology have likewise requested one-on-one sessions with Marcos. Despite a packed schedule, the President has agreed to meet with them, Solano confirmed.
The Philippine delegation includes key Cabinet officials: Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Trade Secretary Christina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Acting Press Secretary Dave Gomez, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
The visit precedes two significant diplomatic anniversaries in 2026 – the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the US-Philippines defense alliance.
As incoming ASEAN chair that same year, Mr. Marcos is also expected to formally invite Trump to attend the East Asia Summit in Manila.
