HOW will the outcome of the US presidential race affect the Philippines?
Today will determine how the next four years will affect the United States in all aspects.
This year’s Presidential Race features two headstrong candidates: Republican Former President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump, with his platforms focusing on sealing and securing borders, ending the inflation crisis, and imposing large tax cuts for workers employs an economic-centered plan.
Meanwhile Harris, with her platforms prioritizing on bringing down the cost of healthcare, legalizing abortion, and protecting civil rights focuses on a humanitarian plan.
Both ideals, supported heavily by both parties, with the only slightest margin of error in between. It’s indeed a tight race.
But what does either a Trump or a Harris win mean for the Philippines?
This is what we asked political analyst Professor Anna Malindog-Uy.
“A Trump victory would likely emphasize an American-first agenda. In terms of socioeconomic relation, a Trump win would emphasize American interest. This could impact trade and investment policies, probably lead to stricter rules on Filipino workers here in the US.”
“One of the binding elements of US-PH relation is military defense. Under a possible 2nd term, Trump will recalibrate this. Probably a decrease in military support and budget in the PH. As per business, Trump would intensify more on trade, but it would really always boil down to US interest.”
“In terms of relationship, it would still be good, but it would depend on how the Marcos admin would respond to the Trump admin,” said Professor Anna Malindog-Uy, Political Analyst.
Malindog also emphasizes the need for Trump and Philippine President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to be able to keep a good relationship to sustain the country’s economic health.
“Right now under the Marcos admin, the economy’s tied up with the US but our relation with China is bad and is going down. There is not much investment from China going to the PH. We don’t know what Trump will do but if he will push America First, we will be negatively affected,” added Prof. Malindog-Uy.
Meanwhile, seeing how Harris’ platforms are heavily influenced by the Biden administration, Malindog says that the Philippines would keep seeing consistent support and policy continuation military-wise.
“A Harris admin would likely continue the Biden foreign policy and approach to the Philippines. Emphasis on defense, military and security relations — these were strengthened more during the Biden admin.”
“Harris is more on human and womens rights; with that kind of narrative, these would be more prominent and impact the PH.”
“A Harris win would put more pressure on human and womens rights on the PH. Harris would focus more on climate, infrastructure, and energy issues.” “Another Democratic President would continue the ongoing global conflicts unless Harris would deviate from the current foreign policy — though this is unlikely,” she added.
In the end, no matter who wins this intense race, Malindog reflects that it’s still up to the current Philippine President and how they will handle their respective policies when the time comes.
Two presidential candidates, two different leadership styles, and two different futures. At this crucial point in history, the American people will not only decide for the future of the country, but for the rest of the world.
