MANILA – Malacañang does not see any changes in the Philippines-United States relations following the inauguration of Joseph Biden as the 46th President of the US on Thursday.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said it is “baseless” to say that President Duterte has lost an ally in Biden as the latter will likely oppose the administration’s drug war.
“Wala po kaming comment diyan. Wala pong basehan ‘yan,” Roque said in a televised briefing. “Ang meron po tayo ay mainit at malapit na relasyon sa bansang Estados Unidos.”
“Pagdating sa panlabas na relasyon o sa security relations, may continuity naman po ang Estados Unidos,” he added. “We in the Philippines look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the United States, in working together for a freer, more peaceful world.”
The Philippines is one of the US’ oldest Asian partners. It is also the oldest security ally of the US in Southeast Asia.
Roque also described the inauguration of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as a proof that the US has “deep” roots in democracy.
“The inauguration of Biden and Harris has reassured the world that its people remain committed to peaceful electoral transitions and the noble principles of representative democracy,” Roque said.
“The President is pursuing an independent foreign policy to protect the interests of the country and its citizenry,” he added. “Ganoon din po ang mga Amerikano. Isusulong nila ang kanilang pang-national na interes.”
Biden’s top priorities include the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, economic relief, climate change, racial equity and civil rights, and the US’ immigration system, among others.
“We are confident that Biden will wear his new mantle of leadership with pride and with due regard for the hopes and aspirations of the rest of the world,” Roque said./PN
