In 2016 and 2017 respectively, new govments of the Philippines and the United States took office, which initiated a change in the development of their bilateral relations. Although the US-Philippines alliance has since then reted to normal conditions and defense cooperation has continued to strengthen, policy reorientations and adjustments by the Trump administration have stirred up uncertainties among the Filipinos concing the ties between the two countries. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte came to power with the slogan of change. His foreign policy sought to actively close the rift in the relations with China, which were severely damaged by the South China Sea arbitration case.