In early February 2026, the Philippines entered global headlines when its ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, announced that Manila is considering an invitation to join the so-called Board of Peace proposed by US President Donald Trump.
This development reflects the complicated balance Manila navigates in its foreign policy, as it weighs participation in international peace initiatives alongside domestic concerns and broader geopolitical realities.
Understanding the Board of Peace Initiative
The Board of Peace, a relatively new concept championed by President Trump, was formally launched on January 22, 2026, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Initially conceived as a mechanism to oversee post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Gaza, the board has broader aspirations to serve as a multinational body focused on conflict resolution and peacebuilding beyond its original remit.
The initiative was introduced with support from a number of countries, and Trump has reached out to dozens of world leaders to join it.
The structure of the Board of Peace envisions a core group of nations that provide strategic oversight and mobilize resources for peace efforts.
Permanent membership is tied to a significant financial contribution—reportedly around one billion US dollars—while other forms of participation may involve non-monetary contributions.
Esteemed and controversial figures alike have been linked to the group’s leadership and advisory circles, raising questions about its potential impact on established international institutions like the United Nations.
Romualdez’s Role
As the Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez is at the forefront of diplomatic engagement between Manila and Washington.
In early February 2026, he disclosed that the White House had delivered a personal letter from President Trump to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inviting the Philippines to be part of the Board of Peace.
The letter was handed directly to President Marcos by the ambassador, underscoring the seriousness with which the invitation was extended.
Romualdez explained that the Philippine government is currently assessing not only what the board’s mission entails but also what commitments would be expected from Manila if it were to participate.
This reflective approach highlights Manila’s desire to understand its potential role and contribution before formalizing any decision.
Evaluating the Costs and Contributions
One of the central issues Manila is considering is the cost of participation. The board’s framework suggests that permanent members would make a significant financial contribution, which the Philippines, facing budgetary constraints, finds challenging to commit to at this time.
Romualdez noted that the government is looking into alternative forms of contribution, such as deploying personnel, including construction workers or healthcare professionals, to support peace initiatives without committing a large sum of money.
This approach reflects Manila’s pragmatic stance on international engagement, seeking ways to contribute meaningfully without overextending its fiscal resources.
Romualdez’s comments also signal that the invitation does not come with an immediate or binding deadline, giving Manila room to continue its internal consultations.
According to the ambassador, a response to the White House is expected within a few weeks, indicating that deliberations are ongoing and will involve careful calculation of benefits versus obligations.
Strategic Implications
Manila’s consideration of the Board of Peace invitation arrives at a time when the Philippines is actively managing its relationships with major global powers.
The country maintains a long-standing defence alliance with the United States, reinforced by shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly amid continued tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
At the same time, Manila also seeks constructive engagement with other powers, including China, highlighting its multifaceted foreign policy objectives.
By weighing participation in the Board of Peace, the Philippines is demonstrating its willingness to engage in global peace initiatives, while also safeguarding its national interests and diplomatic principles.
Romualdez’s public statements emphasize that Manila’s decision will be driven by a clear understanding of what the board expects and how the Philippines can contribute effectively without compromising its priorities.
Domestic and International Reactions
The prospect of joining the Board of Peace has generated discussion both within the Philippines and among international observers.
While supporters view participation as an opportunity to bolster Manila’s profile on the global stage and contribute to peacebuilding efforts, critics express skepticism.
Warning that involvement could entangle the Philippines in initiatives perceived as driven by personality or geopolitical ambitions rather than sustainable peace outcomes. These voices underscore the importance of transparency and strategic clarity as Manila makes its decision.
In conclusion, Manila’s deliberation over joining Trump’s Board of Peace, as articulated by Jose Manuel Romualdez, reflects a careful balancing act between global engagement and national considerations.
With the invitation still under review, the Philippines continues to evaluate how best to position itself in a shifting international landscape while remaining true to its diplomatic values and strategic interests.
