Marcos wants to meet with Trump to discuss defense, foreign aid freeze
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is planning to meet with United States President Joe Biden to discuss a variety of issues, from the freeze of foreign aid to defense matters.
Trump recently ordered a freeze on US foreign aid to different countries. Several groups across the globe have already been affected, with many being forced to cease projects and operations.
“I will meet with President Trump because I should because there's much that we need to discuss between the US and the Philippines in terms of the trade, in terms of defense and security, and now, the new policy on immigration,” Marcos said in in an ambush interview in Cebu on Thursday, January 30.
Marcos said he hoped to resolve matters with Trump, especially in terms of the Filipinos who may be affected by new immigration policies.
Trump’s immigration policy is projected to deport countless illegal immigrants.
“This is something that we have to work through and hopefully resolve. Because the Filipinos in the United States, especially, have really formed a very important part already of their workforce. So, we’ll see how we can influence the policy-making in terms of immigration,” he said.
The president said that many Filipinos have already been sent home due to the ongoing situation.
“Nagpauwi na yata ng ilang daan na Pilipino (I think hundreds of Filipinos have been sent home),” Marcos said.
Earlier, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that a total of 24 Filipinos are already set for deportation, but clarified that this was already planned during the term of former US president Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed that there are 80 other Filipinos set for deportation.
Asked how concerned the Philippine government is about the freeze on foreign aid, Marcos said that there were still many uncertainties. He noted that even US agencies are unsure of how to implement the new order.
“These are the growing pains of a new administration. But I’m sure that with time, these policies will crystallize and will become clearer. And by which time, I will have a chance to visit with President Trump and we can discuss it with a better understanding of what the policies are,” Marcos said.
The Palace has yet to disclose when Marcos plans to visit the US.
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