Malacañang has clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet reached a final decision concerning an invitation extended by United States President Donald Trump for the Philippines to become a member of the newly proposed Board of Peace. According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, the President is still thoroughly evaluating the details and implications of this significant diplomatic offer.
Understanding the Board of Peace Initiative
The Board of Peace represents a fresh international advisory body spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump. Its primary objective is to advance diplomacy and foster peaceful resolutions to conflicts across various global regions. This initiative aims to enhance collaborative efforts in addressing geopolitical tensions through dialogue and strategic advisory roles.
Regional Implications and Government Response
When questioned about the potential message this invitation sends to the international community, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, and its possible ramifications for regional security—including ongoing issues in the West Philippine Sea—Castro emphasized that the Palace is deferring initial discussions to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This step ensures a coordinated and expert-led approach to assessing the invitation's broader impact.
Furthermore, the Palace highlighted that the Philippine government maintains active engagement with relevant agencies to guarantee that any future steps taken are fully aligned with the nation's core interests and existing foreign policy frameworks. This cautious and consultative process underscores the administration's commitment to making informed decisions that prioritize national sovereignty and strategic diplomatic positioning.
