The United States’ new ambassador to the Philippines has pledged to deepen Washington’s alliance with Manila, promising increased business, investment, and broader cooperation as the two countries prepare to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Lee Lipton made the commitment during the celebration of the United States’ Independence Day and the 80th anniversary of Philippine-US relations at a reception in Makati City on Thursday night, his first public engagement after presenting his credentials to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this week.
“It is an honor of a lifetime to be appointed by President Trump to serve my country in Manila. I’m so excited to be here and elevate the United States’ alliance with the Philippines to new heights,” Lipton said.
He said the Donald Trump administration has “some really big plans” for the Philippines as both countries celebrate eight decades of formal diplomatic ties next year.
“The Trump administration has some really big plans to bring American business, jobs, investments, assistance, and so much more to the Filipino people,” he said.
Leo Herrera-Lim welcomed the new envoy, saying Manila looks forward to expanding cooperation with Washington in security, economic, and people-to-people exchanges.
“Anniversaries like these are not finish lines. They are checkpoints, markers we pass on the way to a partnership that still has its best chapters ahead of it,” Herrera-Lim said.
He added that both countries should continue building on their longstanding alliance “together, and without hesitation.”
The Philippines and the United States established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946, shortly after Philippine independence.
In a separate meeting before Ma. Theresa Lazaro left for Canada this week, Lipton also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
According to the Embassy of the United States in the Philippines, the ambassador expressed his eagerness to work closely with the Philippine government and “build on the strong partnership between our countries and the enduring ties that connect Americans and Filipinos.”
