President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a phone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, tackling key security, economic, and regional concerns, including developments in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos described the call as a “productive” exchange where both sides discussed “critical regional and economic priorities, and bilateral trade matters.”
“Our exchange underscored our countries’ mutual commitment to strengthening the PH-US alliance and addressing shared regional interests,” Marcos said.
According to a statement from the US State Department, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its alliance with Manila and highlighted continued cooperation as the two countries mark milestones in their diplomatic relations, including 80 years of ties and 75 years of alliance in 2026.
Both sides also reiterated support for advancing the Luzon Economic Corridor, a trilateral initiative involving the Philippines, United States, and Japan aimed at boosting infrastructure, trade, and investment across key economic zones in Luzon.
US officials also raised ongoing cooperation on energy development and broader regional economic resilience efforts.
The Luzon Economic Corridor covers strategic areas linking Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas, and is designed to improve transport, logistics, energy systems, and digital infrastructure while attracting foreign investment and job creation.
The discussion comes amid continued efforts by Manila and Washington to deepen defense and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
