Latest news with #JoseManuelRomualdez
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Philippines to US: Deport our citizens to Manila, not El Salvador
WASHINGTON: The United States has a right to deport any Filipino illegal immigrants, but the Philippine government will 'definitely not' allow them to be brought to El Salvador or any third country. Jose Manuel Romualdez (pic), Philippine ambassador to the US, made this clear Tuesday (May 27) when asked of the matter. This came after Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele agreed to house in its mega prison hundreds of migrants expelled by the US government. While most of them are from Venezuela, Bukele previously offered to detain in their prisons US-deported immigrants from those countries that do not take their citizens back. 'I think it's something that the Philippines, we Filipinos, will never allow something like that to happen to us,' Romualdez said of the El Salvador scenario in an interview with reporters at the Philippine Embassy here, adding that even dual citizens are covered by this. 'It's just not in our DNA to allow that to happen,' he noted, saying illegal Filipinos who committed crimes should answer to the local laws. 'We will accept any Filipino, no matter what their status is.' With the Trump administration saying it's exploring other third countries apart from El Salvador to house expelled migrants rejected by their own country, Romualdez said that Manila quickly informed Washington that it will take care of its own. Romualdez said: 'In fact, when there was talk about third countries, we immediately communicated our desire with the United States government that if there's any Filipino that needs to be deported, we would like to be informed and we would be pleased to work with them in having them deported to the Philippines.' According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are around two million Filipinos here, of whom there could be as much as 300,000 staying illegally. Romualdez, however, believes that the number of Filipino illegals is 'probably much less than that.' 'Filipinos will always, most Filipinos, that is, will always, especially those that have been here for many years, will find a way to be able to stay here,' he said. 'And I think, more than ever now, this is a clear sign that, you know, the best way to always have a good night's sleep is to always follow the legal path in anything that you do,' he went on. 'The old Filipino style of palusutan (looking for workarounds) and everything like that … that's the worst thing you can do because you think you can get away with something today, but you can't get away with it forever.' - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Trump's tariffs won't derail US-Philippines defense ties, experts say
The Philippines' F-16 deal is critical to replacing the country's ageing military assets, says the writer. PHOTO: AFP Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez sounded the alarm in April: The country's US$5.58 billion (S$7.2 billion) deal to buy 20 F-16 fighter jets from Washington – a linchpin of Manila's military modernisation – could be imperilled by President Donald Trump's proposed 17 per cent tariff on Philippine exports and its resulting impact on government coffers. After all, the US is the Philippines' third-largest trading partner and top export market. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
South China Morning Post
16-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Philippines warns US$5.6 billion US fighter jet deal at risk from Trump's tariffs
The United States might be forced to recalibrate its tariffs on defence partners, after Manila's top envoy to Washington admitted that the levies would affect its ability to buy new American weapon systems and fulfil a US$5.6 billion deal for F-16 fighter jets. Advertisement Philippine ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, said on Friday that Manila was keen to negotiate terms with Washington, adding that his country was pushing for trade officials from both sides to discuss 'how we can go through this whole process'. Earlier this month, Washington approved the sale of F-16 jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin . But the new tariffs might affect the Philippine economy and its ability to complete the estimated US$5.6 billion purchase, Romualdez said, adding that the fighters 'are very expensive for us'. The Philippines, a long-time security ally of the US through a 74-year-old mutual defence treaty, faces a 17 per cent levy on its exports to America under President Donald Trump 's proposed 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez. Photo: Reuters Romualdez argued that because the US trade deficit with the Philippines was US$4.8 billion, the fighter jet deal meant there was actually a 'US$1 billion surplus in favour of the United States'.
Reuters
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Philippine-US engagements reaffirm alliance and shared interests, ambassador to Washington says
MANILA, March 3 (Reuters) - The United States and Philippines have reaffirmed in all bilateral engagements the importance of their alliance and shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region, Manila's ambassador to the United States said on Monday. Jose Manuel Romualdez, speaking at a forum with foreign journalists, also said all countries need to be ready to beef up their own defence and ensure their economic security.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
24 Filipinos deported, more being processed
[Source] Twenty-four Filipino nationals were recently deported for alleged illegal activities, according to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. Most of them, however, were only involved in petty crimes. Their cases had also been processed during former President Joe Biden's final months, with deportations occurring between Oct. 1, 2024 and Jan. 18. State of play As of Monday, there are 16 Filipinos in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, though their cases were also processed during Biden's time. So far, there have been no reports of Filipinos being arrested or detained since President Donald Trump resumed office, Romualdez noted. Trending on NextShark: Of those currently in ICE custody, 15 already have deportation orders, while one has a pending case. Meanwhile, 80 additional cases are being processed for potential deportation. Community impact With an estimated 350,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., community leaders are advising caution. Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega noted that most Filipinos entered the country legally, even if their visas have since expired. Trending on NextShark: Support is being mobilized. Filipino American lawyers are volunteering at consulates, while some employers are helping undocumented workers secure legal status. The Department of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, advises keeping a 'low profile' while pursuing legal pathways. What's next More deportations are expected. Since taking office, Trump has declared a 'national emergency' at the southern border, begun using military aircraft for deportation flights and prioritized booting out individuals with criminal records. Trending on NextShark: 'We're getting the bad, hard criminals out,' Trump told reporters on Friday. 'These are murderers. These are people that have been as bad as you get. As bad as anybody you've seen. We're taking them out first.' This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
