By Wilnard Bacelonia

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Screenshot from RTVM)

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday expressed his full support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. over his plan to meet with United States President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need to safeguard the rights of Filipino migrants and strengthen bilateral relations.

“Any opportunity for dialogue aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ bilateral relations with the United States is a welcome development for both countries,” Gatchalian said in a news release.

“Engaging in discussions on important issues such as trade, defense and security, and immigration policies will foster deeper cooperation and mutual understanding,” he added.

Gatchalian underscored the vital role of Filipinos in the US economy, as he called for policies that ensure they are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of immigration status.

His statement comes as concerns mount over the deportation of undocumented Filipinos under Trump’s immigration policies.

Marcos confirmed his intent to meet with Trump in a media briefing in Cebu City on Thursday.

“I will meet with President Trump because I should. There’s much we need to discuss between the US and the Philippines in terms of trade, defense and security, and now the new policy on immigration,” Marcos said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has earlier assured that mass deportations are unlikely, stating that the US had only deported “a few hundred or less” undocumented Filipinos per month during Trump’s first term. (PNA)