MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the Philippines-United States alliance during a meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday, as Washington announced more than $100 million in new assistance for infrastructure, logistics and energy projects in Subic.
The U.S. Department of State said the funding will support the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), including the development of a technology hub under the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to attract high-value industries and investments to New Clark City and the Port of Subic Bay.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Marcos and Rubio also discussed the Philippines’ participation in Pax Silica and its hosting of the initiative’s first Economic Security Zone in Clark.
The two officials likewise talked about the inaugural Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum scheduled for September and efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, including the deployment of the U.S. Expeditionary Cutter Squadron to forward locations in Singapore and the Philippines.
During the meeting, Marcos said Southeast Asia was living through the “curse” of “interesting times,” referring to growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to its alliance with the Philippines and support for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both sides also underscored the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and reaffirmed the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected China’s expansive maritime claims.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said China was discussed generally during the meeting, although the recent confrontation at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal was not specifically raised.
Rubio also conveyed that U.S. President Donald Trump holds Marcos “in high esteem” following their meeting in Washington last year.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups criticized the proposed Pax Silica project, raising concerns over land rights, environmental protection and possible community displacement. Malacañang said the initiative would safeguard national interests, the environment and affected communities.