US Marks PH Independence Day with Defense Pledge

The United States reaffirmed its commitment to its longstanding alliance with the Philippines as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Independence Day greetings to the Filipino people and highlighted the deepening strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

In a statement issued on June 12, Rubio congratulated Filipinos on the country’s Independence Day and underscored the significance of 2026 as a milestone year in Philippine-American relations, marking 80 years of diplomatic ties and the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

“This year the Philippines and the United States commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations—a bond forged through the sacrifices of World War II and our shared purpose,” Rubio said. He added that the United States remains “unwavering in our ironclad mutual defense commitments” as the two allies celebrate the treaty’s 75th year.

Rubio also expressed Washington’s support for the Philippines during its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, emphasizing the two countries’ shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The US top diplomat pointed to growing economic cooperation between Manila and Washington, including efforts to advance the Luzon Economic Corridor and develop secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains. These initiatives form part of broader efforts to strengthen economic security and investment opportunities between the two countries.

Rubio likewise highlighted the enduring people-to-people ties linking the two nations, noting that more than four million Filipino-Americans reside in the United States, while over 750,000 Americans live in the Philippines. “The ties between our peoples and our nations have never been stronger,” he said.

The message comes amid intensified cooperation between Manila and Washington on economic, security, and regional issues, including efforts to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Recent engagements between senior Philippine and US officials have reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening the alliance and expanding collaboration across multiple sectors.

Looking ahead, Rubio said the United States remains committed to working closely with the Philippines in advancing shared goals.

“The United States looks forward to deepening our collaboration with the people of the Philippines to advance peace, security, and prosperity in the years ahead,” he said.