The Philippines and United States (US) will continue to have a "strong and productive relationship" regardless of who wins the presidency in the May 2022 elections, a US diplomat said Thursday, Jan. 27.
US Embassy in Manila Charges d’Affaires Heather Variava told reporters that whoever candidate is elected in May, the US is looking forward to continue working with and supporting the Philippines in various areas of coordination.
"I think the bonds between our peoples are so strong and I think regardless of who is elected in May, we look forward to having a strong and productive relationship with the new President and look forward to continuing that strong partnership and supporting the Philippines in its rights and sovereignty in the region," Variava said.
The Washington senior diplomat further said that the two nations will continue to partner in many different ways such as in the realm of security, economics, trade and development, cultural and educational exchange.
"We have a lot of faith and belief in the democratic process here in the Philippines, I think that the relationship between the US and Philippines is so long, so broad, so deep, it's been very impressive to me as a new comer to the Philippines," she said.
Meanwhile, Variava disclosed that they are now in discussions with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on bringing in election observers from the US for the May 2022 national elections.
"We, here at the embassy, are already in discussions with Comelec about being part of any election process or observation program that the Comelec hosts," she said.
"And we may indeed see observers from the US joining as well, we don't have details on that yet but we have gotten inquiries from some of the leading organizations that follow elections about coming to observe," Variava added.
The diplomat said that while nothing is final yet, they will continue to coordinate with Comelec to participate in whatever program is available.