US Reiterates Firm Support for PH on Independence Day

The United States congratulated Filipinos yesterday on the 127th anniversary of the country's independence, giving reassurance of Washington's support amid growing security concerns in the region.

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement, declared his country's firm commitment to an ally which is resisting China's bullying and other acts of provocation at sea.

"As we work together to uphold international law in the South China Sea, the United States remains unwavering in its ironclad commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty," he said.

"We are committed to working alongside the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies to achieve our shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity," Rubio said as he conveyed his warmest congratulations to the people of the Philippines as you celebrate your Independence Day on June 12.

"The steadfast friendship between the United States and the Philippines is rooted in our long history, marked this year by the 80th anniversary of our shared sacrifice that led to victory in World War II," he pointed out.

Rubio emphasized that at present, it's common interests, shared democratic values, mutual economic benefit, and bedrock people-to-people ties that reaffirm the firmness of bilateral relations between the US and the Philippines.

"Recent strides in security collaboration and energy, among many other areas, reflect the mutual priority we place on enhancing our relationship," he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, in his Independence Day message, voiced the nation's commitment to an independent foreign policy that promotes and protects Philippine interests.