Why the US Election Could Change Everything for Filipinos

The outcome of the U.S. elections has far-reaching implications for the Philippines, where deep historical, economic, and cultural ties make the relationship between the two nations a vital element in the lives of many Filipinos.

The Philippines’ model of democracy, with roots in American institutions, has linked Filipino political development closely to American influence. Since the early 20th century, when the Philippines was a U.S. territory, the shared values and systems between the two nations have reinforced this bond.

The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty established the Philippines as the United States’ oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific, and Filipinos routinely view the United States as one of their country’s most trusted partners.

According to a study of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Southeast Asia Program, economically, the United States is among the Philippines’ top investors and trading partners. The U.S. led the way in supporting Philippine industry from agriculture to services sectors, with U.S. investments totaling approximately $3.6 billion as of early 2024.

Recently, the establishment of the Luzon Economic Corridor marked a new phase of cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, designed to expand Philippine infrastructure and green energy capacity with investments in renewable energy.

The same study added that “it is crucial for the United States to improve public awareness and understanding of its economic and investment activities in the Philippines.”

This statement underscores how such collaboration provides tangible benefits to the Philippine public, strengthening their stake in the U.S. election’s impact on future policies.

Trade and technology exchanges further highlight this intricate economic partnership. The U.S. is the Philippines’ top export destination, representing $15.5 billion of Philippine exports in 2022. This trade includes the booming semiconductor industry, where U.S. companies like Analog Devices and Texas Instruments are expanding operations, a fact on how Filipino livelihoods depend on U.S. economic policies.

For instance, recent expansions in semiconductor production have created thousands of high-skilled jobs across Metro Manila and beyond, a vital element in diversifying local employment opportunities outside Manila.

Cultural and interpersonal exchanges also shape the Filipino-American connection. Millions of Filipino Americans contribute to U.S. society while retaining strong ties to their heritage, creating a unique cultural bridge between the nations.

Each year, thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remit billions in PHP to the Philippines, directly supporting the local economy. The prominence of Filipino workers in U.S.-based industries, such as the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sectors, also reinforces this connection, with U.S. companies accounting for a significant share of the $5.2 billion invested in this industry.

As U.S. policies evolve, especially regarding international trade, immigration, and military alliances, the Philippines is uniquely affected.

From U.S. immigration reforms that may impact OFWs to defense policies that influence Philippine security in the South China Sea, the U.S. election outcomes profoundly shape the Philippines’ future.

Filipinos are aware that while the U.S. election may not be their own, its consequences will resonate deeply across sectors, reinforcing why it is a day that matters significantly for Filipinos at home and abroad.