As we watched the U.S. election unfold, there was a sense of anticipation not unlike what we experience during our own national polls. The outcome is no small matter, as the policies and leadership of the United States ripple outward, affecting economies and political climates around the globe.
In the end, Donald Trump emerged victorious over Kamala Harris, defying legal battles and controversies to reclaim the White House. But why does the U.S. election matter so much to Filipinos?
The Philippines has always been sensitive to shifts in U.S. leadership, given the extensive economic and political ties we share. America is a major trading partner and a key ally in regional defense, with its policies directly affecting the lives of thousands of Filipino-Americans and overseas workers. With so much at stake, Filipinos have watched with interest, and even concern, as American leadership shifts course.
Trump’s “America First” policies may once again mean changes to our trade deals, immigration policies, and even our defense agreements, which could affect our stance on key regional issues like the South China Sea.
While his supporters praise Trump’s brash, populist approach, his victory signals potential setbacks for international climate cooperation, a concern that should hit close to home. Trump’s legacy as a climate change denier casts a long shadow over the global effort to combat environmental degradation.
During his previous term, he pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, a global pact to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. In office, he promoted policies that rolled back environmental regulations and favored fossil fuel development, ignoring the urgent scientific consensus on climate change. With him back in power, we can expect a similar disregard for climate action at a time when the world needs immediate, coordinated action to avoid catastrophic consequences.
For the Philippines—a country on the frontlines of climate change—the impact of Trump’s climate policies could be devastating. Rising sea levels, stronger typhoons (like the ones we just had back to back), and extended droughts already threaten our islands and agricultural communities. As one of the world’s most vulnerable nations to climate change, the Philippines depends on international cooperation and strong climate policies from major economies like the U.S. Without the U.S. at the table, global climate efforts lose momentum, and vulnerable countries like ours face increased risks and fewer resources to adapt and protect our communities.
In a way, Trump’s return to power holds up a mirror to Philippine politics. Like the U.S., we have seen a rise in populist leaders promising immediate change to a disillusioned working class. Just as Americans backed Trump despite his controversies, many Filipinos have favored charisma, celebrity, and bold promises over education, qualifications, and experience in practical, long-term governance.
But as we approach our own elections, we need to examine the impacts of this approach with a critical eye. We need to ensure that our own future leaders have the knowledge, experience, and background to create policies that address both immediate and future threats to our environment and society.
Trump’s victory offers a timely lesson as we look to our upcoming elections. In evaluating candidates, we should look beyond rhetoric and focus on who has a decent track record in addressing local issues and global challenges.
