Representatives from the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) vowed to continue working with the Philippines after observing the recently concluded elections on May 9.
In a Twitter post, US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava said she was pleased to participate as an observer in the 2022 elections and committed to working with the next administration.
She described what she saw as the country's "vibrant democracy in action."
"Pleased to participate as an observer in #Halalan2022 along with @USEmbassyPH members to witness the Philippines’ vibrant democracy in action on Monday," she said Wednesday, May 11.
Pleased to participate as an observer in #Halalan2022 along with @USEmbassyPH members to witness the Philippines’ vibrant democracy in action on Monday. We look forward to continue working with the next administration, the new Congress, and LGU leaders on our shared priorities. pic.twitter.com/ImyBRv06hb
— Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Heather Variava (@USAmbPH) May 11, 2022
"We look forward to continuing working with the next administration, the new Congress, and LGU (local government unit) leaders on our shared priorities," she added.
After 90 days of campaigning, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emerged as the leader in the presidential race based on the partial unofficial result of the elections.
EU Delegation
The EU Delegation to the Philippines likewise observed the elections in Metro Manila and congratulated Filipinos for the successful conduct of the polls.
"The EU Delegation to the Philippines joined foreign and local observers in observing the elections in different parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces yesterday and commends the Philippines for conducting a peaceful, free, and fair democratic elections," the EU wrote in a Facebook post.
"#EUinthePhilippines looks forward to working with the incoming administration for the next six years and fostering closer EU-Philippines relations," it added.
Representatives from the EU, Romania, and Germany embassies also visited the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) command center at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion on Tuesday, May 10, to check on its unofficial parallel count.
China
Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian congratulated the Philippines on the smooth presidential elections. He said that China would continue to work with the Philippines to stay committed to "good neighborliness" and friendship, focus on post-Covid growth, expand win-win cooperation, and bring more tangible benefits to both peoples.
"We hope and believe that various political forces in the Philippines will continue to work in solidarity for national renewal and development," Zhao said.
"We are good partners for mutually-beneficial cooperation and fellow travelers on the road to common development," he added.
Zhao likewise noted how the bilateral relations between the two countries steadily upgraded over the past six years.
"The flourishing relationship has delivered benefits to both peoples and contributed to regional peace and stability," he said.