Singapore PM, president congratulate Duterte

MANILA, Philippines – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Tony Tan Keng Yam on Monday congratulated president-elect Rodrigo Duterte for winning the May 9 elections.

Lee said the overwhelming support that Duterte got in the elections reflects the trust that his fellow Filipinos have in his leadership and vision for the Philippines.

Lee said Singapore looks forward to the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, adding that he is confident that the country will be able to foster closer ASEAN integration amid a complex and fast-changing global landscape.

Meanwhile, Tan said Singapore and the Philippines are old friends with strong ties and are cooperating closely in the ASEAN and the United Nations to promote peace, stability and prosperity.

“I am confident that you will lead the Philippine economy to greater heights,” Tan said in a congratulatory letter to Duterte. 

He invited Duterte to visit their country at the soonest possible time.

He recalled his state visit to the Philippines in April 2014 where he and his wife were impressed by the economic progress of the country and the resilience of Tacloban residents who were working to rehabilitate areas destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“I wish you success as you embark on your new role, and I look forward to meeting you soon,” Tan told Duterte.