Austin’s Manila trip
The Philippines will always be a close ally of the United States whether Marcos likes it or not. Austin will get his extra bases before the 2+2 ministerial meeting in April. His trip to Manila was worth it.
Marcos’s independent foreign policy
Marcos can forget about an independent foreign policy. His body language says otherwise.
Most favored ally
The Philippines has been getting more attention in the United States because of its geographic location in the Indo-Pacific region as tension with China rises not just over the South China Sea but also because of Taiwan.
FACT-CHECK: Press secretary claims Biden agreed to meet only Marcos Jr. at UNGA sidelines
Angeles’ quote was picked up by a number of news outlets, notably ABS-CBN News, the Manila Bulletin, and the Daily Guardian. Claim: US President Joe Biden agreed to meet only Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly....
FACT-CHECK: Veteran journalist said Marcos couldn’t visit the United States
Vitug’s article was written was eight months ago; Marcos is now president, and heads of state enjoy diplomatic immunity under international law.