Outgoing United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires John Law has expressed confidence that the security alliance and bilateral relations between the US and the Philippines will continue to flourish and grow “ever more secure and prosperous” in the years to come.
Law made this statement on the eve of his departure after serving nearly three years in his post at the US Embassy in Manila.
“My optimism is rooted in something far more profound and lasting than our shared political and economic interests; it springs from the hearts of our two peoples. We are more than allies: we are friends and family,” he said.
Law also conveyed his appreciation to President Duterte for restoring the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), an agreement that is vital to the operational effectiveness of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the US and the Philippines. The two countries are currently commemorating the 70th year anniversary of the MDT.
“We believe our alliance strengthens both countries’ operational readiness, deters conflict, and defends a peaceful, stable, rules-based order throughout the region,” Law said, citing the recent visits of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and Adm. John Aquilino, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command attesting to the unwavering their commitment to the Philippines, America’s oldest treaty ally in the region.
He emphasized that the ties between Americans and Filipinos stretch back over a century, “refreshed each day by the close bonds among millions of our countrymen”.
“My wife and I feel so very fortunate to have experienced that warmth and that friendship with so many Filipinos we have met throughout this beautiful country. Though we could stay only a few years, we are so happy we could call this land our home, if only for a while. These friendships and memories we will take with us, and cherish always,” Law said.
On the cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the outgoing Charge d’Affaires assured that the US will continue to do “all in our power” to help the Philippines prevail in its battle against COVID-19 through vaccine donations, medical equipment, and public health assistance.
To date, the U.S. has donated over 13 million vaccine doses to the Philippines through the COVAX facility.
He said millions more will come as the Philippines is expected to receive a total of 44 million vaccine doses through COVAX, the global alliance to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines
Aside from the vaccines, the US has so far extended P1.38 billion in assistance that includes ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment, and training.