President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed regional developments, economic priorities, and bilateral trade matters during a phone conversation on Monday.

In a social media post, Marcos described the discussion as “productive” and said it reaffirmed the strong alliance between Manila and Washington, D.C.

“I had a productive phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning, during which we discussed critical regional and economic priorities, and bilateral trade matters,” Marcos said.

“Our exchange underscored our countries’ mutual commitment to strengthening the PH-U.S. alliance and addressing shared regional interests,” he added.

The call came as the Philippines and the U.S. continue to deepen cooperation in defense, security, economic engagement, and regional affairs.

The Philippines and the U.S. are treaty allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and have expanded cooperation in recent years through initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security, economic resilience, and people-to-people ties.

Currently, the two countries, along with their other partners, are developing the Luzon Economic Corridor, an international infrastructure and supply chain initiative designed to connect Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila, and Batangas. It focuses on high-impact investments to transform the region into a globally competitive, interconnected economic hub.

No further details of the conversation were immediately disclosed. (PNA)