Can PH balance alliances while protecting national interest?

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 24, 2026

Photo courtesy: Team Marcos – The Universal Movement FB Page

MANILA, Philippines — A strong alliance with the United States does not have to come at the expense of Philippine independence, according to a recent commentary posted by Team Marcos – The Universal Movement.

The post backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approach to maintaining close security ties with Washington while continuing to strengthen the country’s own defense capabilities.

It argued that this balance is especially important in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines continues to face challenges to its sovereign rights.

At the same time, the commentary stressed that being a reliable ally should not mean automatically allowing Philippine territory to be used in a conflict the country did not start.

The issue becomes more sensitive in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.

According to the post, any Philippine decision in such a scenario should begin with one question: what best protects Filipinos and the country’s national interest?

The commentary noted that major powers such as the United States, China and Japan are expected to protect their own strategic interests. It argued that the Philippines must be equally clear in protecting its own.

That means maintaining alliances, defending Philippine territory and sovereign rights, and strengthening the country’s military capability while retaining the freedom to make independent decisions.

The post described this approach as a foreign policy built on three principles: being strong enough to defend the country, reliable enough to stand with allies, and independent enough to decide what serves the Philippines best.

The message reflects a broader debate over how Manila should navigate growing tensions in the region — particularly between its treaty alliance with the United States, its disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea, and the risks posed by a possible conflict involving Taiwan.

For the Philippines, the central challenge remains finding the balance between alliance commitments and strategic independence while keeping the safety and interests of Filipinos at the center of foreign policy.