Biden-Marcos Meeting: A Step towards Strengthening US-Philippine Relations?
The White House recently welcomed a controversial visitor – the son of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Senator Imee Marcos’ visit to Washington, D.C., was significant not just for the Philippines but for the United States as well. The meeting with President Joe Biden, which lasted for about an hour, was an opportunity to discuss several issues that could improve the relationship between the two countries.
The Philippines has been a longtime ally of the United States, and the relationship between the two countries has had its ups and downs. During the Marcos regime from 1965 to 1986, the Philippines was an important strategic partner for the U.S. in Southeast Asia, but the alliance was tested during the dictatorship’s final years. The Marcos regime was marred by human rights violations and allegations of corruption, and the U.S. government was forced to withdraw its support for the regime.
Senator Imee Marcos is the daughter of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was ousted in a peaceful revolution in 1986. The Marcos family is still influential in Philippine politics, and Senator Marcos is a member of the ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
The Biden-Marcos meeting was an opportunity to address a range of issues, including economic cooperation, security, and human rights. The Philippines is currently facing a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, and rising tensions in the South China Sea. The meeting could provide a platform for both countries to explore ways to cooperate on these issues.
One key topic of discussion was the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), a security agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines that was signed in 1951. The MDT states that both countries will come to each other’s defense in case of an armed attack. The Philippines has been seeking clarification on the treaty’s applicability to the South China Sea dispute, where China has been expanding its territorial claims. The meeting could have provided an opportunity for the U.S. to clarify its position on the matter.
The meeting was not without controversy. The Marcos family is still a divisive issue in Philippine politics, and the senator’s visit to the U.S. was criticized by many Filipinos, who accuse the Marcoses of corruption and human rights violations. The U.S. government has also been criticized for allowing the visit, which some see as a validation of the Marcos family’s influence.
Despite the criticism, the meeting could be a positive step towards strengthening the U.S.-Philippine relationship. Both countries have a lot to gain from cooperation, and addressing the issues that divide them is essential to building a stronger partnership. Whether or not the meeting will lead to concrete actions remains to be seen, but it is clear that the U.S. and the Philippines share a common interest in working together to address the challenges they face.
