US Embassy exec: Ties with Philippines to remain strong whoever wins in US elex

America's relations with its long-time ally, the Philippines, will remain unchanged and strong whoever wins the US presidential elections, Washington's acting ambassador to Manila said Wednesday.

Embassy Chargè d'Affaires John Law said he expects the alliance to remain "productive" regardless of the result of the presidential contest between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

"Every US Embassy works very hard for the best possible relationship with the host government. We will continue to do that here in Manila regardless of the results of the US election," Law said at the election watch party hosted by the US Embassy in Manila.

The US elections are crucial to the Philippines because it can change the trajectory of Washington’s relations with President Rodrigo Duterte, whose deadly on war on drugs sparked concerns from the administration of former US President Barack Obama, a Democrat.

Duterte resorted to curses-laden verbal attacks against the former US leader, who he once told to "go to hell."

If Biden wins, he will be the 46th President of the United States.

Unlike his predecessor, Trump, who refrained from criticizing Duterte, enjoys good relations with the Philippine leader.

As the US begins its election count, the embassy held its traditional watch party, where guests from the Philippine government, media, US and foreign diplomats, watched partial results being streamed by American networks CNN and Fox News.

Law called the election a celebration of American democratic process.

"What we celebrate today is the strength of American democracy with all its flaws and weaknesses and mistakes," Law said. "For two and a half centuries, the American people have worked tirelessly to improve it and make our union ever more perfect and that will not change."

As the events of the polls unfolded, interactive booths were set up in the embassy compound where guests learn about the US voting system and participated in a trivia contest about American elections and Presidential history.

The US president is decided through a system called the Electoral College. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to be declared the official winner of the presidential race.

The ballroom and courtyard of the embassy were decked in red, white and blue where guests watch the results coming in from various states on TV monitors while enjoying refreshments.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, only a small number of participants were invited unlike in previous presidential election watch parties that drew huge attendees.

"Our entire embassy team has worked tirelessly and taken every precaution to ensure that we can offer you an event that is both enjoyable and safe," Law said.

The general mood was more subdued compared to the festive atmosphere of previous years' election watch parties where supporters of the winning candidate would cheer and clap as results are usually known a few hours after polls across the US have closed. This year's US poll counting is slower because a huge number of ballots were cast by mail due to the pandemic.

But whoever wins, Law said he is optimistic that Manila's ties with Washington will remain stronger than ever.

"The US and Philippine relationship is very very old, is very very strong. There have been Republicans and Democratic Presidents of the United States and different administrations in the Philippines. One constant has been the relationship between our peoples, the relationship between our countries is always very strong and of that I'm certain," Law said. — RSJ, GMA News