MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero expressed hope on Thursday that President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House would bode well for the Philippines.

"I cannot foretell what President-elect Trump may or may not do. However, our country's relations with the US were reasonably well under his presidency before, so I hope his assumption would bode well for our country...," Escudero said.

A week before the US presidential election, Sen. Imee Marcos, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, emphasized that the Philippines must prepare for the impact of the US elections on the country and the world.

She noted that US policies on defense, immigration, and investments could undergo rapid and significant shifts following the 2024 presidential election.

She maintained that it was unclear whether the next US president would continue aggressively expanding the US military presence in the Philippines and preserving the current defense funding assistance level.

Sen. Marcos said given this uncertainty, the government should fully implement the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act as soon as possible so that the country can fend for itself.

She noted that any US president would naturally prioritize American interests, underscoring the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the Philippines' interests.

She said that stricter US immigration policies could lead to the deportation of thousands of undocumented Filipinos. At the same time, efforts to bring American companies back onshore may decrease direct investments and reduce BPO jobs in the country.

Meanwhile, analysts say that incoming US President Trump's past tenure in the White House suggested a transactional approach to the US-PH defense relationship.

Trump has primarily kept his positions on the South China Sea under wraps throughout the campaign, even as the US and the Philippines have deepened their long-standing security alliance.

This year, Washington has pledged an unprecedented $500 million in military aid, a significant boost aimed at fortifying Manila's military modernization amid rising tensions with China in the disputed waters.