MANILA – Malacañang expressed confidence that the strong ties between Philippines and the United States will continue under Donald Trump’s new administration.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Philippine government is not worried about the Trump administration on the maritime dispute in the West Philippines Sea where the US serves as an ally to the Philippines.
“The Philippines and America have shared history, and we have this desire for peace in this region. I think the commitments will be followed through,” Bersamin said.
“I don’t think we have to worry about that because there’s continuity in international relations,” he added. “Well, the description of ironclad is in the way America reads the Mutual Defense Treaty, so we will leave it at that.”
Trump, 78, recaptured the White House on Wednesday by securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency.
Trump won 279 electoral votes to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 223 with several states yet to be counted.
Meanwhile, Trump has already acknowledged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message, which was send through text.
“PBBM congratulated Pres Trump via SMS and was acknowledged with thanks,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said in a statement on Thursday.
“We don’t know if Trump’s transition team will be inviting foreign leaders to the inauguration,” Romualdez added when asked if Marcos will attend the inauguration./PN
