In 2026, cooperation between Philippine and US forces will intensify, largely due to China's looming threat to Taiwan, just a boat ride from the Philippines' northernmost island. In the 'Hindi Ito Marites' podcast episode, Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug forecasts the trajectory of Philippine-US ties and how the Taiwan situation inevitably draws in the Philippines.
The treaty alliance between the Philippines and the United States has weathered some rough patches, but nothing unites allies like the emergence of a common adversary. According to a podcast episode released on January 20, 2026, this year will mark heightened military interactions and cooperation, driven in no small part by China's threat to seize Taiwan.
Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug provides a forecast for Philippine-US relations in the 'Hindi Ito Marites' episode. She explains how the Taiwan predicament inevitably implicates the Philippines, given the geographic proximity—Taiwan lies just a boat ride from Batanes, the country's northernmost province.
Produced by JC Gotinga and with video editing by Jen Agbuya, the episode delves into geopolitical dynamics affecting the Philippines. It underscores the importance of a robust alliance in the face of regional threats in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting how shared security concerns are accelerating bilateral ties.
While specific quotes from the discussion are not detailed in the description, the narrative emphasizes the potential strengthening of relations amid escalating tensions.
