United States (US) President Joe Biden's taking time from his busy schedule to hold impromptu bilateral talks with Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the recent 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) shows the former's high regard toward the Filipino leader.
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo gave this assessment Saturday, Sept. 24 as Marcos capped his United Nations (UN) debut and visit to New York City in the United States (US).
"President Biden’s gesture is also a resounding proof of his high regard of President Marcos who won by a landslide in a democratically-held elections last May," said Salo, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.
The ranking House member further said that Biden’s move was "in keeping with the kind of free exercise of the right to suffrage which the US is known for and takes great pride in".
Marcos won a historic majority mandate during the May 2022 elections in the Philippines. He garnered an astounding 31 million votes, which was more than double the votes of the second-placed candidate.
The bilateral talks between the two leaders took place early Friday morning, Philippine time, on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.
"The value accorded by President Joe Biden to America’s relationship with the Philippines is underscored by his decision to speak with President Marcos on the sidelines of UNGA. President Marcos was among the few world leaders that US President Biden took time to discuss bilateral matters," Salo noted.
"The meeting manifests the strong desire of the US to continue strengthening its ties with the Philippines, which is deeply rooted in history and shared democratic ideals," added the party-list congressman.
The Philippines and US are long-time mutual defense treaty allies.