28th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Keynote Remarks
Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque addressed the participants of the PI-SF as a passionate advocate for free, fair, and open trade in the Indo-Pacific, recognizing the region as the engine of the global economy that generates 60% of the global GDP and over 80% of global merchandise trade. Highlighting the Philippines’ strategic location and dynamic economy, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque emphasized its pivotal role in shaping the Indo-Pacific economic future with the country’s active engagement in key regional initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Participation (RCEP), the Comprehensive Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening the supply chains and promoting regional efforts toward decarbonization, clean economy transition, and more transparent tax, anti-corruption, and governance regimes.
On bilateral interests with the United States, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque highlighted priorities such as possible bilateral free-trade agreement and the reauthorization of the United States Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and a critical minerals agreement. These initiatives, she explained, would amplify the Philippines’ role in global value chains and drive economic growth for both nations. She also discussed the proposed United States-Philippines Partnership Act, which aims to enhance deeper economic cooperation, particularly in critical minerals and infrastructure development.
Additionally, she emphasized the need for a new generation of trade agreements that uphold the highest standards of labor rights, environmental rights, and social inclusivity. The Philippine government under the Marcos administration is actively pursuing reforms like Amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act, and Retail Trade liberalization Act to attract investment and foster a more integral and vibrant market. In closing, she urged all stakeholders to collaborate in building a truly integrated Indo-Pacific where businesses thrive and prosperity is shared by all.
