Manila, March 3 -- The Philippines and South Korea on Tuesday pledged to maximize their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), highlighting efforts to expand trade and investment ties.

The commitment came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at Malacanan Palace in Manila.

"We acknowledged the efforts of both sides to enhance bilateral trade and investment and we look forward to realizing the full potential of the PH-ROK (Republic of Korea) Free Trade Agreement for the benefit of both our peoples," Marcos said at a joint press conference with Lee after their meeting.

Lee noted that since the FTA took effect in 2024, Korean investments in the Philippines have increased more than ...