Manila: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning to visit the Philippines next month to reaffirm the importance of the Philippines-US alliance in the Trump administration. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez stated there is no exact date for the visit yet but mentioned it would likely be 'probably by April' after the visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Manila next week.

According to Philippines News Agency, the relationship between the Philippines and the United States holds significance for both countries, as emphasized by Romualdez in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel. He highlighted the strategic position of both nations in dealing with situations in the Indo-Pacific region. Rubio's mission in the region is expected to align with the objectives of Secretary Hegseth's visit.

Romualdez mentioned that after these high-level visits, both governments would probably finalize the 'exact timing' of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr's visit to the US. Hegseth's visit, set for March 28, marks a significant milestone, being the first time a Pentagon chief has included the Philippines in his initial regional tour.

The visit is timely as Manila aims to enhance the new relationship with the Trump administration. Romualdez indicated that discussions between Hegseth and his Filipino counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., will focus on the needs of the Philippine armed forces.

The United States, under President Trump, has emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong deterrence to prevent future conflicts. This topic will be a focal point in Hegseth's discussions with Secretary Teodoro and potentially in a meeting with President Marcos the following day.