1. 🇵🇭 What Marcos Wants from the U.S.
Relaxed tariffs / favorable trade deal
He's seeking to reduce or adjust the new 20% tariffs on Philippine exports, aiming for more favorable terms than Vietnam or Indonesia, and to support Filipino industries like semiconductors, coconut and mango products Reuters+15Reuters+15Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative+15.
His team hopes to finalize a “mutually beneficial” reciprocal trade deal before the August 1 deadlineReuters.
Defense and security collaboration
Marcos aims to deepen cooperation under the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), including more joint exercises (Balikatan), missile defense systems, and maritime patrols to counter China in the South China Sea Asian Journal News+15Reuters+15Reuters+15U.S. News+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3.
Strategic reassurance and military aid
He wants strong reaffirmations of U.S. support—ironclad defense commitments, new military equipment, and capabilities to bolster Filipino defenses against China Philippine News Agency+15Warsaw Institute+15AP News+15.
Support on immigration
Marcos is expected to raise concerns about undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., urging better immigration handling given the large Filipino diaspora affected by U.S. policies Asian Journal News+15Daily Tribune+15GMA Network+15.
Investment in economic modernization
He’s pushing for U.S. private sector investment in Philippine infrastructure, semiconductors, critical minerals (nickel, cobalt), renewable energy, digital telecommunications, and possibly even cooperation in civilian nuclear technology CNA+6PCOE Employment+6AP News+6.
2. 🇺🇸 What the U.S. Wants from the Philippines
Strategic anchor in the Indo‑Pacific
The U.S. wants a robust ally to balance China’s influence—expanding access to bases (EDCA), boosting military interoperability, joint patrols, and missile systems Interaksyon+12Daily Tribune+12AP News+12Asian Journal News.
Shared defense burden
Washington hopes the Philippines will take on more responsibility—from hosting missile systems to engaging in Taiwan-related contingency planning, thereby reducing direct U.S. footprint AP NewsThe Diplomat.
Economic reciprocation
In exchange for tariff relief, the U.S. expects increased Filipino imports of American goods (e.g., soybeans, frozen meat) and expanded investment ties South China Morning Post+1Reuters+1.
Geopolitical partner on South China Sea
The U.S. urges Manila to press for a legally binding Code of Conduct with ASEAN and play a unifying role in confronting Chinese maritime aggression GMA Network+1AP News+1Reuters+1Daily Tribune+1.
Upholding human rights and Rule of Law
Beyond trade and defense, Washington retains leverage: progress on human rights and labor standards in the Philippines remains a key consideration GMA Network+6The Diplomat+6Inquirer.net+6.
🧭 Bottom Line
Marcos aims to reduce Filipino tariffs, deepen U.S. military cooperation, gain support for migration issues, and attract investment to modernize the economy.
The U.S. seeks a strategically committed Philippines—hosting military assets, sharing geopolitical burdens, bolstering trade relationships, countering China, and maintaining democratic standards.
This visit is a pivotal moment for both sides to realign their economic and security agendas. The next few days of talks (July 20–22) will likely determine if they can find that “ideal policy mix.”
3. In Addition, here are the latest developments surrounding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration:
🇺🇸 US–Philippines Summit in Washington (Jul 20–22)-Now On Going
President Marcos is heading to the U.S. from July 20–22 for his first meeting with President Trump since the Philippines pivoted toward Washington Asian Journal News+15Reuters+15Manila Standard+15.
Discussions will cover:
A planned 20% tariff on Philippine exports set for August 1—Marcos is pushing for relief Gulf News+3Manila Standard+3Brigada News+3Asian Journal News+2Reuters+2AP News+2.
Strengthening defense and security cooperation, including expanded base access and missile system tests amid heightened South China Sea tensions AP News+7Reuters+7PBS+7.
👥 Cabinet Shake-Up After Midterms
On May 22, Marcos ordered courtesy resignations from all Cabinet secretaries following poor midterm resultsBrigada News+8Inquirer.net+8Wikipedia+8.
This “bold reset” aligns government with public demands on inflation, crime, and economic deliveryInquirer.net+4AP News+4Newsday+4.
Multiple phases of reshuffling have since occurred:
⚓ Stronger Defense Posture
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the threat from China’s “expansionist” South China Sea actions, urging military modernization and diplomacy for deterrence AP News+6Reuters+6Newsday+6.
Marcos rolled out the “Horizon 3” AFP modernization plan, a $35 billion, 10‑year roadmap aimed at strengthening naval, air, and territorial defense—alongside banning chemical weapons Wikipedia.
The Philippines also publicly protested Beijing’s sanction of ex-Senator Tolentino over South China Sea criticismAP News+1AP News+1.
🏛️ Fractured Political Landscape
Following midterm elections on May 12, opposition backed by Vice President Sara Duterte made strong gains in the Senate, seen as a referendum on Marcos’s leadership The Times+4AP News+4AP News+4.
A dynastic feud has escalated: Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by Marcos’s government and sent to The Hague, while Sara Duterte is now facing an impeachment trial AP News+3The Times+3The Guardian+3.
🔍 Summary
Foreign affairs & defense are at the forefront: tariff negotiations and deepened US–Philippine security ties ahead of the Washington summit.
Domestic governance is recalibrating via extensive Cabinet renewals and reforms following a disruptive midterm.
Internal political struggle has intensified, pitting Marcos directly against the Duterte dynasty.
These highlight the current blend of international realignment, administrative transformation, and political tumult defining Marcos Jr.’s presidency.
Originally called Benguet Road, it was built in the early 1900s by the Americans to access the Cordillera highlands—but it came at a cost.
The project cost a whopping $2.7 million (a fortune back then!), making it the most expensive U.S. engineering project of its time.
Despite protests from Washington, the road was completed in 1905 under Maj. Lyman W. Kennon, later giving rise to the name Kennon Road.
The Lion Head, now a popular tourist landmark, was carved in the 1970s by the Lions Club of Baguio—symbolizing strength, watchfulness, and pride as travelers approach the mountain city.
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