The world watched as Americans went to the polls in their midterm elections. As a longstanding treaty ally and friend, the Philippines’ interest goes beyond the political fortunes of either party. Decisions made in Washington reach across oceans, affecting security, investment, trade and everyday lives of people whose futures are increasingly connected.
We congratulate the United States and the American people on the successful conduct of their elections. We extend our congratulations to those elected to serve and everyone who participated in the democratic process. Seeking public office requires commitment, while casting a ballot carries the responsibility of helping determine a country’s direction.
As reports indicated, Democrats are poised to control both chambers of Congress. The political implications will understandably occupy Washington in the weeks ahead. Our responsibility as diplomats is clear: engage constructively with the leaders chosen by the American people and continue advancing the enduring interests that bind our countries.
With voting over, our work continues. We will keep engaging with our friends in the US Congress where the Philippines enjoys strong bipartisan support. We will build relationships with newly elected members and sustain engagement with those returning to office. The objective remains to strengthen Philippine-US relations across all sectors.
For those watching from abroad, American elections sometimes make Washington appear entirely consumed by partisan differences. Yet there are issues on which Republicans and Democrats find common ground. The importance of the Philippines, our shared history and the value of a stable Indo-Pacific provide a strong foundation for that cooperation.
That support must always be cultivated. Friendship requires regular conversations, careful listening and the willingness to explain our priorities clearly. Congressional offices need to understand how developments in our region affect American interests, just as we must understand the concerns their constituents bring to them. Diplomacy works best when communication flows both ways.
Congress matters because it helps translate policy into practical resources and sustained commitments. Its responsibilities over legislation, appropriations and oversight give it an essential role in shaping America’s international engagement. Maintaining close relationships on Capitol Hill is therefore a continuing part of our work, alongside our engagement with the administration and other institutions.
Defense cooperation will remain an important priority. We will continue explaining the Philippines’ efforts to modernize our armed forces, improve maritime awareness and strengthen our ability to protect our territory and sovereign rights. A more capable Philippines contributes to regional stability and makes our alliance more effective in addressing shared challenges.
Our position on the West Philippine Sea remains anchored in international law, including the 2016 Arbitral Award. We seek a peaceful environment where fishermen can pursue their livelihoods and lawful commerce can proceed without intimidation. Continued dialogue, credible defense capabilities and cooperation with partners all support that objective and must reinforce one another.
But the full measure of our relationship extends well beyond defense. Filipinos want better jobs, more investment and opportunities for their children. Americans likewise want economic partnerships that produce tangible benefits. Our task is to show how closer cooperation can help businesses expand, strengthen supply chains and create opportunities in both countries.
We should pursue greater cooperation in semiconductors, energy, agriculture, digital services and infrastructure. Education and workforce development deserve equal attention. Investments become more valuable when they develop Filipino skills and connect enterprises to wider markets. A stronger economic partnership gives the alliance a broader constituency and a more durable foundation.
Investors look for predictable rules, reliable infrastructure and timely decisions. We must continue improving our business environment so that expressions of interest become actual projects. Congressional goodwill helps open doors, but delivering on opportunities requires coordinated action by government and the private sector.
Our people remain the relationship’s strongest link. Filipino-Americans contribute to communities throughout the United States, bringing their talents to health care, education, business, public service and other fields. Their families and friendships connect our countries in ways no official agreement can fully capture. They also help keep the Philippines present in American public life.
We will continue advocating for the welfare of our nationals and supporting exchanges that deepen mutual understanding. Students, researchers, entrepreneurs and local leaders all have a role in sustaining this partnership. When cooperation reaches communities outside our capitals, it becomes more meaningful to people who may never attend a diplomatic meeting.
The worldwide attention to these elections also reflects a desire for predictability. Allies and partners need confidence that cooperation can endure political change. No democracy is free of debate, and disagreements are inevitable. What matters for our relationship is continued communication, honoring commitments and pursuing common interests through established institutions.
In Washington, one learns that a productive conversation often begins with listening. That lesson applies after every election. We will listen to new voices, explain our country’s priorities and work patiently to find areas of agreement. We will also continue our dialogue with the administration as we engage the incoming Congress.
We should welcome opportunities for congressional visits to the Philippines, where lawmakers can see our circumstances firsthand. Such exchanges allow our officials, businesses and communities to explain their experiences directly. They help turn distant policy discussions into a clearer understanding of the partnership and its practical possibilities.
This year marks eight decades of diplomatic relations between our countries. That history gives us reason for confidence, but it also places a responsibility on us to keep the partnership relevant to a new generation. The election has commanded the world’s attention; the work that follows must improve people’s lives. For the Philippines and the United States, that is how friendship earns its enduring strength.
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