MANILA, Philippines — Nakiisa si Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez sa mainit na pagtanggap ng bansa kay United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ang kauna-unahang pagbisita nito sa Pilipinas.
“His presence reaffirms the deep, historic, and forward-looking alliance that has long bound our two nations in friendship and shared purpose,” anang Speaker.
Ayon kay Romualdez, ang pagbisita ni Hegseth ay nangyari sa kritikal na panahon sa rehiyon at nagbibigay-diin sa pagnanais na mapanatili ang kapayapaan, katatagan, at pangingibabaw ng batas sa gitna ng mga hamon at tensyon sa South China Sea.
“The high-level discussions between Secretary Hegseth and Philippine officials reflect a unified vision: to fortify our defense cooperation and preserve the principles of freedom of navigation and respect for international norms,” dagdag niya.
Hindi lang anya tungkol sa seguridad ang pagpapatibay ng alyansa ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos.
“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I believe this partnership should also serve as a platform for greater economic engagement — expanding trade, generating jobs, and creating opportunities that uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos and Americans alike,” diin pa ni Romualdez.
Hinikayat niya ang dalawang bansa na “move forward together, not only as allies in defense, but as partners in development — united by democratic values, inspired by common aspirations, and bound by a future we endeavor to shape together.”