President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a telephone conversation Monday to discuss energy security, economic cooperation, and regional peace and stability.

According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the exchange focused on deepening the Philippines-United States (US) alliance, including energy security, and other economic and security priorities.

Castro said the two officials underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region, particularly in the South China Sea.

“Sa kanilang pag-uusap, binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng kapayapaan at seguridad sa rehiyon partikular sa South China Sea kung saan kapwa kinikilala ang pangangailangang itaguyod ang katatagan at maiwasan ang mga tension sa rehiyon,” Castro told reporters at a press briefing in Malacañang.

She added that President Marcos and Secretary Rubio also discussed measures to further deepen collaboration in promoting peace and security in the region.

Castro likewise stressed the enduring strength of Philippines-US relations, noting that 2026 marks 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of alliance between the two nations.

“Ang pahayag na ito ay sumasailalim sa patuloy na pagpapatibay ng alyansa ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos at sa magkatuwang na adhikain ng dalawang bansa para sa kapayapaan, kaunlaran, at katatagan sa rehiyon,” she said. Presidential News Desk