On June 13, the Philippine Embassy in Washington celebrated the nation’s 126th anniversary of independence from Spain.
At the event, Ambassador José Manuel Romualdez said his country will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy guided by its national interests, echoing the vision of President Bongbong Marcos. He also emphasized that an isolationist foreign policy is impossible in today’s “highly interconnected” world.
“President Marcos’ directive is clear,” Romualdez said. “The Philippines will continue to seek peace and security in our region, maintaining friendship with all and enmity with none.”
Romualdez highlighted US-Philippine efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship and praised US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell for his “hypersonic energy” and building ties with Indo-Pacific countries. Romualdez urged Campbell to continue his work with the Philippines in hopes of hosting the fourth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the two countries in Manila.
“It is crucial that we sustain this positive momentum to build on the gains of our close cooperation,” said the ambassador, who also encouraged guests to support Manila’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-28 term.
“Now more than ever, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to work with fellow ASEAN members in strengthening ASEAN centrality and enhancing our community building efforts,” he said, referring to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Among the guests were the co-chairs of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus—Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia)—as well as Rep. Young Kim (R-California), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. Campbell was also present, as were the Washington-based ambassadors of Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Russia and Vietnam.
Scott and Moylan introduced a House resolution recognizing June 12, 2024, as this year’s observance of Philippines Independence Day in honor of the 126th anniversary of independence.