Malacañang welcomes Trump’s foreign policy direction

Malacañang on Saturday said US President Donald Trump's foreign policy may lead to a better relationship between the Philippines and America.

"The Philippines welcomes President Trump's foreign policy direction. It promises a more placid and mutually beneficial relationship especially with long standing allies like us," said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a statement.

"Our diplomatic ties need to reflect our long-standing relationship but under terms and conditions that protect our people's interests," he added.

Abella noted that the government is willing to expand collaboration with partners in the international community under the principles of international law.

"The community of nations prosper as each one seeks its common good, and when it comes together to support the well-being of our common humanity," Abella said in a separate statement.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who has been confirmed by President Rodrigo Duterte as his next possible foreign affairs secretary, praised Trump's foreign policy.

Cayetano said it is the "right of all nations to put their own interests first."

"We welcome the pronouncement of newly-inaugurated United States President Donald Trump to seek friendship with other nations while respecting each country's national interests," Cayetano said in a statement.

"We can see how much like President Rodrigo Duterte, President Trump is driven by a strong fervor of patriotism and nationalism. They both focus on having an independent foreign policy that benefits their respective people and nations," Cayetano added.

He is positive that stronger relations between the Philippines and United States will take place, following Trump's successful inauguration.

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said he believes that Trump's policy is another reason for Duterte to "pursue a truly independent foreign policy."

"Trump's inaugural address points to an internal shift of US policy to neo-conservatism that would mean the crackdown of the US government against immigrants and other minorities," said Zarate, vice chairman of the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

"This may also lead to a more authoritarian US government that would be intolerant of dissent, criticisms and protests," Zarate explained.

He said pursuing an independent foreign policy might even speed up the process of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Zarate is currently in Rome, Italy for the third round of peace talks with NDFP.

Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of US on January 20, succeeding Barack Obama.

Trump has vowed for an "America First" policies at home and abroad. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ALG, GMA News