A political analyst from the University of the Philippines advises the Philippines to pursue an independent foreign policy and lessen its reliance on the United States in light of President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies. He emphasizes the need for the Philippines to be prepared for potential geopolitical shifts and to diversify its relationships beyond the US.
While the United States holds significant interests in its engagement with the Philippines, a political analyst on Tuesday argued for an independent foreign policy and reduced reliance on its longtime Western ally. Aries Arugay, chairperson of the University of the Philippines (UP) Department of Political Science, issued this statement as US President Donald Trump resumes his ‘America First’ policies.
Arugay described the Republican leader’s foreign policy as “highly unpredictable” and “transactional,” considering his “strongman” tendencies. He said the Philippines should stay ready for potential geopolitical shifts. \“I do think it’s also important the Philippines prepares for contingency, just in case the US doesn’t remain committed to the alliance,” the UP professor said during an interview with ANC News. “The Philippines must be able not to totally just rely on the US for its defense security as well as its economic goals, but to make sure that its foreign policy is not totally dependent on any power in the world,” he added. Arugay suggested the Philippines should focus on cultivating relationships not only with the US President, but also with his cabinet members and other high-ranking officials. He also addressed the immigration policies likely to dominate Trump’s agenda, pointing out their potential impact on the Philippines.\ In his inaugural speech and early executive orders, Trump signaled a crackdown on illegal immigration, including revoking birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. “According to our Department of Migrant Workers, there are around 300,000 to 370,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US. That’s no small number. And we also know that during the first Trump administration, thousands of undocumented Filipinos have been removed from US soil,” Arugay said. “This is something that the country needs to prepare, and I do hope that our government is prepared in such a case that thousands, if not tens of thousands of Filipinos, will have to be removed from the United States and will have to be forced to go back to the Philippines,” he added
Philippine Politics Foreign Policy Donald Trump United States Immigration
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippines Tourism Promotes 'Love the Philippines' Campaign Despite Budget CutsDespite a reduced budget for branding and marketing, the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to promote the country abroad through various media channels, including television, billboards, and social media. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the ongoing 'Love the Philippines' campaign, which has reached key markets worldwide. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the budget cuts, Frasco emphasized the DOT's efforts to address power supply issues on Siargao Island and promote sustainable tourism development.
Read more »
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. Rebrands as Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Inc.Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. officially rebrands as Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Inc. (CCEAP) to reflect the Aboitiz Group's strategic investment and partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP). The rebranding signifies a commitment to a sustainable future and long-term growth for the Philippines.
Read more »
Philippines to Build First Agricultural Machinery Industrial Park in CabanatuanThe Philippines is set to build its first industrial park dedicated to agricultural machinery manufacturing. Located in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, the park is a collaboration between the local government, PHilMech, and Kamico.
Read more »
Philippines Aims for First Winter Olympics Medal at Asian GamesThe Philippines is sending a 20-athlete delegation to the 2023 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, with the goal of winning their first-ever Winter Olympics medal.
Read more »
First Babies of Generation Beta Born in the PhilippinesThe first babies of Generation Beta, born between 2025 and 2039, have arrived in the Philippines. These babies, born on New Year's Day at hospitals in Manila and Albay, mark the beginning of a new generation that will live in a world shaped by artificial intelligence.
Read more »
Philippines Residential Property Prices Contract for First Time in Three YearsThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that residential property prices in the Philippines contracted for the first time in three years during the third quarter. The Residential Real Estate Price Index fell by 2.3 percent, with duplex housing units experiencing the most significant decline at 48.1 percent. Condominium prices also dropped by 9.4 percent, while single-detached/attached and townhouse prices saw more modest increases.
Read more »