Pentagon Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. held an introductory call today to discuss defense cooperation in the U.S.-Philippines Alliance. The leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners. They also discussed enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Secretary reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and its importance for maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He pledged to remain in close coordination with Secretary Teodoro.