Manila: Senator Imee Marcos on Monday urged the Philippine government to prepare for significant changes in US policies under the Trump administration, particularly those that could impact immigration, defense, and geopolitical interests. In a statement, Marcos emphasized the need to protect around 200,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US facing potential mass deportations by expanding reintegration programs, including skills training, livelihood support, and direct assistance for deportees. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted the necessity of having a plan for families who may be forced to return to the Philippines, citing the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Foreign Affairs as key agencies involved. She also underscored the importance of enhancing the country's self-defense capabilities through local manufacturing of defense equipment and technology transfers via the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP). "In the end, no matter how many and how strong our allies are, we can only depend on ourselves, the Filipinos, to defend the Philippines," Marcos expressed, advocating for immediate allocations for SRDP. As chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations, she also encouraged the government to assume a leadership role within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to manage shifts in US foreign policy and safeguard national interests. Marcos noted the Philippines' unique position to lead discussions and facilitate the formation of a new ASEAN consensus on US-China relations, given the country's close ties with the US. "The Philippines must act now to secure our people, strengthen our defenses, and ensure we're prepared for any shifts in global dynamics. The world is changing fast, and we can't afford to be caught unprepared," she stated. Senate President Francis Escudero also urged the government to 'proactively prepare' for potential US policy shifts. He remarked, "Donald Trump is a major macroeconomic assumption. F rom trade to security, to immigration, what he said he plans to do, some on day one of his administration, would certainly impact us." Escudero further explained that besides Trump's proposed mass deportations, a stronger US dollar could weaken the Philippine peso and increase foreign debt burdens, while shifts in trade tariffs could affect Philippine exports. "On the security front, will a second Trump administration be hawkish or dovish against China? Dapat handa tayo kung sakaling may bagong posisyon ang Washington (We should be prepared in case Washington will have a new position)," he added. Like Senator Marcos, Escudero emphasized that the government should anticipate these scenarios to avoid being caught off guard.