US-PH alliance strengthens amid WPS tensions; potential election impact looms

With the upcoming US election where the competition between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former president Donald Trump is intense, questions arise about potential changes in America's stance and support regarding China and the West Philippine Sea.

Under the leadership of US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, the strongest alliance between the United States and the Philippines on the issue has been formed.

This robust alliance came into being at the historic trilateral summit involving the US, Japan, and the Philippines in Washington, followed by consecutive meetings of defense officials from both countries. These discussions resulted in concrete actions and US assistance to ensure freedom of navigation and safety in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, including the US rotational force posture under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

According to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, there is bipartisan support in America, with policies likely to remain consistent regardless of the election outcome: "As a matter of fact, we do have a bipartisan support, judging from meetings at the US Congress. We have met with both Republicans and Democrats, plus we have very strong support from both of them particularly with the challenges we face right now in our region," he said.

Romualdez emphasized that relations with the US remain strong, irrespective of the political landscape.

He further noted, "In fact, I have spoken with officials from the past Trump administration who indicated that most of their policies were also continued by the Biden administration, so I believe if there are any changes, they will be minimal." 

Professor Renato De Castro of De La Salle University highlighted the difference in approach between Harris and Trump on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea issue, stating that Harris has shown a greater awareness compared to Trump: "Kamala Harris visited the Philippines and even went to Palawan, so in Ms. Kamala Harris' perspective, she has a larger consciousness regarding the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea issue."

That the issue may hold more significance in Harris's view, contrasting with Trump's broader focus on competition between the US and China, may be related to her meetings with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and her personal experiences witnessing the struggles of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea during her official visit in 2022.

While foreign policy approaches to the West Philippine Sea are expected to differ between Harris and Trump, both candidates have contrasting positions on immigrants and minorities in America. Trump advocates for stricter immigration policies, while Harris leans towards providing support for immigrants through legal means.

In discussions with Filipino-Americans, sentiments are divided on their preferred candidate, with some leaning towards Harris and others supporting Trump. However, many Filipino voters prioritize fairness and equality for all, especially in matters concerning immigrants.

As the US gears up for the November 5 elections to choose their next president, the impact of the outcome on the world, including the Filipino community, remains uncertain yet significant. 
— BM, GMA Integrated News

JP Soriano's note: Interviews with Ambassador Romualdez were conducted first week of September in Washington D.C., the other interviews during second and third weeks of September in both DC and Texas.