Manila, Jan. 29 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday expressed optimism that the defense alliance between the Philippines and the United States will further grow under the administration of President Donald J. Trump.

"The DND is likewise optimistic that the Philippine-US defense alliance will continue to flourish under the new administration," it added in a statement.

In a recent interview with Hoover Institution's "Battlegrounds" DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said "the partnership between allies (Philippines and US) that the President has personally spearheaded has been vital."

In the same interview, Teodoro said he expects this momentum to continue as the country's security relationship with the United States...