Manila, April 17 -- The Philippine government has signaled its "strong intent" for a strategic economic alignment with the United States amid global challenges during the visit of a bipartisan US Congressional Delegation to Manila.

In a meeting with US Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware), and Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said Manila is open to forge "deeper engagement" with the US as a "strategic economic partner" in an increasingly complex global environment.

"More than a diplomatic courtesy, the engagement served as a strong signal of intent - that the Philippines is ready to pursue strategic alignment with the United States as a pathway to greater econ...