MANILA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official visit to the United States marked a turning point in Philippine diplomacy, noting that the new trade and defense agreements forged during the trip will place the country on stronger footing globally—even as the U.S. tariff cut amounted to just one percent.

“This is more than just an official working visit. This is a statement of confidence: that the Philippines is ready to lead, to compete and to stand tall among nations,” said Romualdez, who also serves as president of Lakas-CMD and the Philippine Constitution Association.

President Marcos secured a reduction in U.S. tariffs on Philippine goods from 20 percent to 19 percent during his three-day official visit to Washington, where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump described the meeting as a “beautiful visit” and called Marcos a “highly respected” and “tough negotiator.”

While the tariff concession appears modest, Romualdez said the broader framework of the agreement opens up opportunities for Filipino businesses and workers.

“Access to the US market is a game-changer,” Romualdez said. “It means more small and medium Filipino enterprises will be able to compete globally. It means more chances for our farmers, our fisherfolk, and our local producers to earn and grow.”

Romualdez said the trade and defense deals reflect a principled yet pragmatic foreign policy under Marcos, focused on protecting national interests while building meaningful alliances.

“President Marcos has once again proven that our foreign policy can be both principled and pragmatic, firm in defending our interests, but also generous in building alliances that uplift our people,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of defense cooperation with the U.S., especially amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“Hindi lang naman tungkol sa pagtatanggol ng ating teritoryo ang issue sa West Philippine Sea. Higit sa lahat, ito ay ang pakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng bawat mangingisdang Pilipino sa kabuhayan, sa karapatan ng mga kababayan nating maging ligtas at sa karapatan ng susunod na henerasyon na mapasa-kanila ang tunay na atin,” Romualdez said.

“Through this partnership, we are reinforcing peace, not provoking conflict,” he added.

The House Speaker said Trump’s remarks and the outcome of the visit show that the Philippines is regaining its influence on the global stage.

“President Marcos is not just earning respect abroad: he is using that respect to uplift every ordinary Filipino back home,” Romualdez said. “It’s easy to talk big in international forums, but harder to deliver real benefits to the people. This President is doing both.”

He emphasized that the real value of diplomacy lies in its tangible impact.

“When diplomacy results in lower prices for goods, more jobs for our workers, more protection for our borders and more investments in our communities, that is when it becomes real,” Romualdez said. “That is when the global becomes local.”

Romualdez urged all sectors to rally behind the President’s initiatives, calling the visit a milestone in building a “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“We are not a small country with small dreams. We are a nation of over 110 million strong, proud, resilient and hardworking Filipinos. With visionary leadership and a clear direction, we are building a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is respected abroad and feels progress at home,” he said.