Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro is scheduled to engage in crucial talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who will be arriving in the Philippines on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said conversations will center around new policies from U.S. President Donald Trump that directly influence the enhancement of military relations with allies like the Philippines.
Romualdez said, “Secretary Hegseth’s visit exemplifies that commitment well. Their discussions will be serious, as the current focus of the Trump administration is on deterrence through strength. This means we need to bolster our Armed Forces and enhance our interoperability.”
Hegseth is also scheduled to meet with President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., which Romualdez highlighted as a significant event.
Romualdez said, “Secretary Hegseth will be in Manila for over 24 hours. These discussions are vital not just for reassurance but also to explore what we can achieve under the new focus of the Trump administration, which is deterrence through strength.”
“I’m confident that various messages will be conveyed through Secretary Hegseth to President Marcos from President Trump,” he noted.
While details remain undisclosed, including whether there might be discussions regarding a recent report about the possible deployment of a second Medium Range Capability (MRC) Typhon missile system to the Philippines, Romualdez indicated that a sure topic would be the forthcoming U.S.-Philippines Balikatan exercises, set for April 21 to May 9, 2025.