Under a 2014 deal, called the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, the U.S. military has access to Philippine bases and sites for joint training and for facilities such as runways, fuel storage and troop housing. The agreement was expanded in 2023 to allow the United States access to nine locations, up from five before.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr could get closer to sealing a deal on trade when he meets the US president in their first face-to-face meeting. Mr Marcos is the first Southeast Asian leader to meet Donald Trump in his second term in office.

Donald Trump is set to host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House to discuss the countries' tariffs and the security partnership.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. listens as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers remarks to reporters before a meeting at the Pentagon on July 21, 2025 in Arlington

Asian governments are hoping a flurry of last-minute diplomacy will secure them better deals from the White House. Japan’s chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for more than two hours on Monday — his eighth round of trade talks with US officials.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington, D.C. early Monday (Manila time) for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening the Philippines’ strategic partnership with the United States,

The Philippines intends to negotiate with the U.S. to reduce tariffs following a recent move by Washington imposing a 20% duty on imports from Manila. The Philippines' ambassador to the U.S., Jose Manuel Romualdez,