THE National Security Council (NSC) welcomed a United States Senate resolution reaffirming the 74-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines and condemning China’s “aggressive” actions in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement released on Friday, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Senate Resolution No. 409, introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts and a bipartisan group of US senators, sends a strong message that the international community is closely watching developments in the disputed waters and that Manila “is not alone.”
“The resolution’s recognition that the MDT covers any attack on Philippine forces, vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea underscores the enduring strength of our alliance and the resolve to stand together against illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions,” Año said.
The Senate resolution comes amid continued Chinese harassment of Philippine ships and fishermen, including blockades and dangerous maneuvers within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Año noted that the measure also calls on Washington to take appropriate actions to counter Beijing’s escalation and support Manila’s efforts to expand joint patrols, strengthen defense capabilities, and uphold freedom of navigation in the region.
“The Philippines will continue to defend what is rightfully ours, anchored on UNCLOS, the 2016 arbitral award, and domestic legislation, through a modernized defense posture and deeper partnerships with allies, partners, and like-minded nations,” Año said.
Marking the 74th anniversary of the MDT, Año reaffirmed that the US-Philippine alliance “is unwavering” and that Manila’s determination “to safeguard regional peace and security is absolute.”
