NEW United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson on Friday reaffirmed America's commitment to help defend the Philippines' sovereignty and independence.

'As President Biden emphasized in his call with you on May 10, America's commitment to the Philippines is deep and enduring — as a friend, ally and partner. We are fellow democracies, bound by a rich shared history. We share the powerful, positive ties of family, embodied in the four million Filipino-Americans in the United States and the 350,000 US citizens in the Philippines,' said Carlson as she presented her credentials to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. at Malacañang, a day after she arrived in Manila.