President Bongbong Marcos formally received the credentials of United States Ambassador Lee Lipton at Malacañang, officially recognizing him as Washington’s top diplomat in the Philippines and marking the start of his diplomatic mission, as both countries reaffirmed their longstanding alliance.
The presentation of credentials also highlighted plans to expand cooperation in defense, trade, economic development, maritime affairs, and regional stability.
Speaking during the ceremony, Marcos emphasized the enduring relationship between Manila and Washington and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow in the years ahead.
“As I am sure you are aware [of] the closeness between our two countries had endured over a hundred years, and that is something that we can continue to work on to bring us even closer and make our ties even deeper as we move forward into the next decade,” the President told Lipton.
“Our work together will be to promote the relationship to bring us even further. Once again, welcome to the Philippines.”
In a separate statement, Marcos said the partnership continues to create opportunities for Filipinos while advancing shared goals of peace, prosperity, and regional stability.
“The Philippines values its enduring alliance with the United States and the many opportunities it continues to create for our people. I was pleased to receive the credentials of Ambassador-designate Lee Lipton as we work together to advance our shared goals of peace, prosperity and regional stability.”
Lipton reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening relations with Manila, saying he looks forward to expanding cooperation in defense and security, economic and commercial ties, and the longstanding friendship between the Filipino and American people.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos and Lipton also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in economic development, defense and security, maritime affairs, regional issues, and the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship.
Lipton was nominated by US President Donald Trump on February 9, 2026, and confirmed by the US Senate on May 18, 2026. Before his appointment, he served as chief of staff at the United States Mission to the Organization of American States. He succeeds MaryKay Carlson as the United States ambassador to the Philippines.
The Philippines and the United States established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946 and are marking 80 years of bilateral ties in 2026. The two countries remain treaty allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, with defense cooperation further strengthened through the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The United States also remains one of the Philippines’ largest economic partners, serving as a major trading partner, a leading source of foreign investment, and one of the country’s top sources of international visitors.
