The Philippines looks forward to forging "close and friendly" relations with the United States under President-elect Joe Biden, Malacañang said Wednesday ahead of his inauguration.
(PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, "democracy has prevailed" following the conduct of the US elections where Biden secured enough electoral votes to win the presidency.
The latest congratulatory remarks were relayed hours before Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.
"Well, of course, it's always good news that democracy has prevailed. We congratulate again the incoming President and we look forward to having close and friendly relations with the Biden administration,” Roque said on CNN Philippines Wednesday.
Malacañang welcomed Biden's reported plans to offer legal status to around 11 million people in the United States. Roque said Filipinos are expected to benefit from the proposed law.
Shortly after Biden defeated President Donald Trump in the polls last November, Malacañang extended President Duterte's warm congratulations to the former Vice President on his historic election. The government, he said, will work closely with the Biden administration "anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law."
“The Philippines and the United States have long-standing bilateral relations and we are committed to further enhancing the relations with the United States under the Biden administration. Congratulations and we wish him all the best,” Roque said in November.
Roque had earlier said they did not expect major changes in the bilateral ties between the Philippines and the United States. He said that while Duterte has a personal relationship with President Donald Trump, the President could "establish equally warm personal relations' with the new leader.