By Marinel E. Peroy
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Thursday evening reaffirmed the enduring strength of the US-Philippines relationship, highlighting shared commitments in trade and investment, people-to-people connections, and upholding international law.
Speaking at the annual #USFourthOfJulyPH reception held at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, the event commemorated both US Independence Day and Philippine-American Friendship. The gathering drew nearly 1,400 guests from the diplomatic corps, government, civil society, media, and business sectors.
As Ambassador Carlson noted in her remarks, the celebration was both festive and symbolic: “The Fourth of July is a time for family, food, fun, and fireworks, much like the vibrant Barrio Fiestas that showcase Filipino hospitality.”
“Today, we celebrate our independence and the enduring bonds that unite us as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and iron-clad allies who work every day to promote the vitally consequential US-Philippine relationship,” she added.
On trade and investment
Ambassador Carlson emphasized that the US and the Philippines are “partners in forging a safe, strong, and prosperous future,” citing shared efforts in defending freedom of navigation, promoting economic opportunity, and advancing cybersecurity.
She pointed to recent developments under the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, a priority of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), noting a major new rail project:
“The United States is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines… Last week in Washington, we announced funding for a major freight rail line linking Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB)… creating jobs and driving innovation with most of our countries.”
In a brief interview on the sidelines, Carlson addressed concerns about the expiration of US President Donald Trump’s 17% tariff pause, saying she remained optimistic.
“I know trade is an ever-evolving issue, and we will continue to work together as friends, partners, and allies… particularly in prosperity with regard to our mutually beneficial trade,” she said.
“I am confident that both sides are working very hard to reach an agreement,” she added.
On people-to-people ties
Carlson also underscored the central role of people-to-people connections in sustaining the alliance: “Our alliance is stronger than ever. Our meaningful people-to-people ties remain the foundation of everything we do together.”
“The US-Philippines relationship is enhanced by more than 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans living in the United States, and more than 750,000 Americans who reside right here in the Philippines,” she added.
On the South China Sea
Marking the ninth anniversary of the historic 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, Carlson reiterated the US position: “We are continuing to be ardent supporters of the Philippines with regard to promoting freedom of navigation, and rule of law, and international law of the sea. So absolutely, we’re here to support the Philippines on the remarkable nine-year anniversary of this very important ruling.”
The evening ended with Carlson raising a toast to the long-standing partnership between the two nations: “We are more than friends, partners, and allies. We are family.”
The United States and the Philippines share over 70 years of formal alliance through the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, and a much longer history of deep political, economic, and cultural ties. This year’s Independence Day reception also coincides with the broader regional focus on a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, where the Philippines plays a strategic role.
