President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially receives United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III as part of the US government’s efforts to fortify its alliance with the Philippines. The meeting between PBBM and the US defense chief builds on recent defense-related talks and initiatives which was announced during US Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to the Philippines in November 2022 and in the 10th Bilateral Strategic Dialog held in Manila in January 2023. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
