HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed the latest round of military drills involving Filipino and American troops, saying these would bolster the Philippines’ defensive capabilities in cooperation with our long-standing ally without compromising the nation’s independent foreign policy.
“Ang mga ganitong pagsasanay ay mahalaga para maging matatag ang kakayahan nating protektahan ang ating teritoryo at ang ating mga mamamayan sa pakikipagtulungan sa ating mga kaibigan,” the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives noted.
“Gayunman, mahalagang tandaan na tayo pa rin ang may hawak ng ating kinabukasan bilang isang bansang nagsasarili.”
A key component of these activities is the Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025, which began on March 30 and will officially end Friday, April 11.
Organized by the Philippine and US Marine Corps, MAREX 2025 involves 179 US Marines, 189 Philippine Marine Corps personnel, 57 Philippine Army soldiers, 11 Coast Guard officers, and 40 reservists. This training focuses on maritime rapid response, counter-landing operations and coastal defense.
“Sa ganitong paraan, matutugunan natin ang mga kritikal na aspeto ng depensa ng ating bansa lalo na sa ating mga baybayin,” said the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives.
Speaker Romualdez commended the collaboration for showcasing both forces’ commitment to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region, calling it “an investment in preparedness and mutual trust.”
Concurrently, “Salaknib”—an Ilocano term meaning “shield”—is taking place under the auspices of the Philippine Army (PA) and the US Army Pacific (USARPAC). Phase 1 of Salaknib is from March 24 to April 11, with Phase 2 slated for May 19 to July 20.
The Salaknib joint exercises involves communication systems, field artillery live fire, sling load helicopter operations and medical evacuations.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized that the MAREX 2025 and Salaknib joint exercises are designed to deepen defense readiness and cooperation, and not meant to provoke hostilities.
“Ang mga pagsasanay ito ay hindi patungkol kaninuman. Ang tanging layunin nito ay ang pagpapalakas ng kasanayan ng ating mga tropa at pagpapahusay ng koordinasyon sa ating mga kaalyado para sa seguridad at kapayapaan,” he said.
He noted that humanitarian assistance, disaster response and peacekeeping skills are also central to both drills.
The joint military exercises proceed under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty—an agreement that has long anchored Philippine-US defense cooperation—while maintaining respect for Philippine sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Speaker Romualdez reiterated the commitment of the House to allocate sufficient funding and clear guidelines for the country’s defense modernization, aligned with the strategic security vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Suportado namin ang layunin ni Pangulong Marcos na maisulong ang modernisasyon ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Handa kaming maglaan ng karampatang pondo para dito at masusi naming babantayan ang paggamit para masigurong maayos ang implementasyon,” he said.
He expressed belief that a strong national defense posture also helps create an environment of stability that can attract investments and spur the country’s economic growth, which would generate more jobs for our people and lift them out of poverty.
Speaker Romualdez renewed his call for all Filipinos to reman united in upholding the country’s sovereignty and defending its territorial integrity.
“Patuloy tayong magkaisa sa pagtatangol sa interes ng ating bansang Pilipinas. Ang ating lakas ay hindi lamang nakasalalay sa pwersa ng ating Sandatahang Lakas kundi pati na rin sa ating pagkakaisa bilang mamamayan.”
