NAKIISA si Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez sa mainit na pagtanggap ng bansa kay United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ang kauna-unahang pagbisita nito sa Pilipinas.

“His presence reaffirms the deep, historic, and forward-looking alliance that has long bound our two nations in friendship and shared purpose,” ani Speaker Romualdez, pinuno ng Kamara de Representantes na mayroong 306 kinatawan.

Ayon kay Speaker Romualdez, ang pagbisita ni Hegseth ay nangyari sa kritikal na panahon sa rehiyon at nagbibigay-diin sa pagnanais na mapanatili ang kapayapaan, katatagan, at pangingibabaw ng batas sa gitna ng mga hamon at tensyon sa South China Sea.

“The high-level discussions between Secretary Hegseth and Philippine officials reflect a unified vision: to fortify our defense cooperation and preserve the principles of freedom of navigation and respect for international norms,” dagdag pa niya.

Ayon kay Speaker Romualdez, hindi lang tungkol sa seguridad ang pagpapatibay ng alyansa ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I believe this partnership should also serve as a platform for greater economic engagement—expanding trade, generating jobs, and creating opportunities that uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos and Americans alike,” diin pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

Hinikayat niya ang dalawang bansa na mag- “move forward together, not only as allies in defense, but as partners in development—united by democratic values, inspired by common aspirations, and bound by a future we endeavor to shape together.”

“May Secretary Hegseth’s visit be a catalyst for renewed collaboration, as we work hand in hand toward a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific—one where all our peoples may thrive in peace and dignity,” saad pa ng pinuno ng Kamara.

Ayon sa US Department of Defense, bahagi ng unang pagbisita ni Hegseth sa Asya ang Manila. Pupunta rin siya sa Japan, Guam at Hawaii.

Sinabi nito na bumisita ang US defense chief sa bansa upang isulong ang mga layuning pangseguridad kasama ang mga lider ng Pilipinas at makipagpulong sa mga puwersa ng US at Pilipinas.

“Secretary Hegseth’s trip comes as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security,” ayon pa kay Speaker Romualdez.