Philippines assured of continuous support under any US president

MANILA, Philippines - The United States has vowed to continue its support to the Philippines whoever is the president.

Speaking before the local business community in a forum yesterday, former US ambassador to the Philippines and US-Philippines Society co-chairman John Negroponte assured the country of continued American support in trade, investment and security.

“With solid foundation taking place, we see every reason for new leaders in both the Philippines and the US to commit to more progress as partners in trade and investment, peace and stability, innovation and people-to-people exchange. Let me assure you we will continue to do our part,” Negroponte said.

Both the Philippines and the US are changing their respective presidents this year.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will be inaugurated as the 16th president of the Philippines on June 30 while the American presidential elections will be held in November.

“There is much to build on as we move forward. The Philippines has been on an upward trajectory with steady high rates of economic growth and commitment to good governance, development and enhanced security. We understand the incoming administration intends to continue policies that have underpinned vast success as it tackles issues in citizen security, regional development and more inclusive growth,” Negroponte said.

The US is one of the country’s major and longest economic partners.

Last year, total goods traded between the US and the Philippines reached more than $18 billion, while services traded exceeded $6.8 billion in 2014.

Investments from the US, meanwhile, accounted for about 19 percent of total foreign direct investment inflow in the country in 2014.

The Philippines has also secured the backing of the world’s largest economy in its planned accession to the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership.

“The Philippines has also been helpful in strengthening ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ties with the United States,” he said.

But aside from trade and investment, Negroponte said the US would likewise remain a steadfast Philippine partner in issues concerning security, particularly in the latter’s territorial disputes in the South China Sea against China.

“On the United States-Philippine relations, regardless of the election outcome in America, our two countries will stand together against a range of global threats and challenges including terrorism, cyber threats, climate change, narcotics and people trafficking,” Negroponte said.