Manila, March 28 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday acknowledged the United States' crucial role as the "greatest force" in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea (SCS).

Marcos said the visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Philippines sends a "very strong" message of Manila and Washington D.C.'s commitment to strengthen their alliance.

"The fact that you have come to the Philippines as your first stop is a very strong indication and sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together, to maintain the peace in the Indo-Pacific Region within the South China Sea," he told Hegseth during their meeting at Malacanan Palace.

"You a...