Leyte: Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s official visit to the United States (US) is both a strategic diplomatic engagement and a deeply practical mission for the welfare of every Filipino. 'We fully support the President's mission. Sa gitna ng mga hamon sa ating ekonomiya at seguridad, napakahalaga ng matibay at patas na ugnayan sa mga kaalyado nating bansa. Ang layunin ng Pangulo ay malinaw -- masigurong may trabaho, pagkain, at kapayapaan para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino (Amid the economic and security challenges, a strong and fair relationship with our allies is very important. The goal of our President is clear - to ensure that there will be employment, food and peace for every Filipino family),' Romualdez said in a statement.
According to Philippines News Agency, the visit comes at a critical moment, with new US tariffs on key Philippine exports set to take effect on Aug. 1, threatening jobs and industries at home. Romualdez emphasized the importance of securing a pathway toward tariff relief or a fairer trade deal, assuring that Congress is ready to support by proposing measures to assist farmers, workers, and businessmen in uplifting the country's livelihood.
Romualdez also praised the President's efforts to attract more investments to the Philippines, particularly in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure, which are expected to generate thousands of jobs and help reduce poverty. He stressed the need for economic diplomacy to be complemented by strong defense cooperation with long-time allies, especially in light of Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea.
'Our national defense is not just a geopolitical issue -- it's about protecting our fishermen, securing our food supply, and asserting the dignity of every Filipino family who calls the sea their home,' he stated. Furthermore, Romualdez welcomed reports of President Marcos pursuing a bilateral trade arrangement with the US, emphasizing that such agreements should be based on fairness and mutual respect.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of visionary leadership in these endeavors. 'This is where visionary leadership matters. Hindi ito usapin ng pulitika kundi ng kinabukasan (This is not about politics, but about the future). We need a seat at the table -- not as a junior partner, but as a trusted and equal ally.'
