A resolution recognizing the United States-Philippines alliance on the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines, and the 10th anniversary of the landmark arbitral award upholding Manila's sovereignty against escalating aggression and lawfare by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea.

119th Congress Introduced by Chris Coons and 1 co-sponsor

The resolution reaffirms the U.S.–Philippines alliance and mutual defense commitments, highlighting ongoing support for Philippine sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and regional

Submitted in Senate

Summary of SRES 760 (Senate)

Purpose and intent

SRES 760 is a Senate resolution recognizing and reaffirming the United States–Philippines alliance. It marks and commemorates:

The 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines.
The 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.
The 10th anniversary of an arbitral award upholding Manila’s sovereignty in disputes in the South China Sea, particularly in the face of challenges and “lawfare” efforts by the People’s Republic of China.

The resolution serves to underscore the importance of the alliance, reaffirm mutual commitments, and highlight ongoing concerns regarding freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and regional security in the Asia-Pacific.

Key provisions and changes

Formal reaffirmation of the U.S.–Philippines alliance and mutual defense commitments as a foundational bilateral security relationship.

Recognition of historical milestones:

80 years of diplomatic ties.
75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty, which commits each nation to come to one another’s defense in the event of an armed attack in the Pacific region.
10 years since the arbitral award affirming the Philippines’ sovereignty, in the context of ongoing disputes in the South China Sea and related international law considerations.

A statement of continued U.S. support for Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity, including support for international law, freedom of navigation, and lawful dispute resolution mechanisms.

May include language encouraging continued bilateral cooperation across defense, diplomacy, development, and regional security initiatives (though specific programmatic provisions are not detailed in the available description).

Who and what is affected

The resolution affects U.S.–Philippines relations and signals U.S. policy preferences to:

Congress, the Executive Branch, allied counterparts, and regional partners in the Asia-Pacific.
The Philippines, by reinforcing commitments and diplomatic support.

It does not create new statutory authorities or appropriations by itself; rather, it serves as a formal expression of Congress regarding the bilateral alliance and strategic priorities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history:

Referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on June 8, 2026.
Submitted in the Senate on June 8, 2026.

The resolution is a non-binding expression of the Senate’s views and does not, by itself, alter law or authorize funding.

If the committee advances it, it would be considered by the full Senate, and potentially by the House in parallel if a companion measure exists, though as a resolution, its adoption does not require President approval.

Notable sponsors

Co-sponsors: Chris Coons, Pete Ricketts.

If you’d like, I can add context on the Mutual Defense Treaty’s provisions, the 2016 arbitral ruling (permanent court of arbitration), or recent developments in U.S.–Philippines defense cooperation to complement this summary.