Malacañang Confirms Marcos Visit to Washington D.C. for Meeting with Trump

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22, where he is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump for a high-level bilateral meeting.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro announced the official schedule but refrained from disclosing further details about the purpose of the trip.

“I would prefer that the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] issue the official statement, but we are not denying this,” Castro told reporters.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is expected to release a full briefing on the meeting’s agenda in the coming days.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier confirmed that the two leaders are set to hold bilateral talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic and security ties between the United States and the Philippines.

President Marcos is also poised to make history as the first ASEAN leader officially invited to the White Houseunder President Trump’s current term—signaling Washington’s renewed strategic interest in Southeast Asia.

Possible Discussion Points

While Malacañang has yet to release specific details, diplomatic sources suggest several key issues may be raised during the talks:

• Defense and Security Cooperation: Both countries may explore expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), increasing joint military exercises, and enhancing intelligence sharing to respond to regional threats.

• Immigration and Labor Concerns: Marcos is also expected to bring up the welfare of Filipino migrant workers in the U.S., including labor protections, visa processing concerns, and the potential impact of future U.S. immigration policies.

• Economic Recovery and Investment: The Philippine side is expected to invite American investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital transformation, in line with the country’s modernization goals.

• 20% U.S. Tariff on Philippine Exports: A key economic concern is the 20 percent tariff imposed on certain Philippine products exported to the U.S., which Filipino business groups say is hurting local industries. Marcos is expected to push for fairer trade terms and potential tariff relief to protect Philippine exporters.

• West Philippine Sea Tensions: With increasing Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea, the President may seek stronger U.S. backing to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling and reinforce the Philippines’ sovereign rights. The possibility of enhanced maritime cooperation and joint patrols may also be discussed to ensure regional peace and stability.