Philippine business, lawmakers welcome Biden victory

Local business and lawmakers on Sunday welcomed Democrat Joe Biden's  victory in the November 4 US presidential poll.

Biden was declared president-elect of the world's biggest economy over the weekend, claiming victory over Republican incumbent Donald Trump and promising to fight the coronavirus pandemic and address economic concerns.

Following are some of the reactions local business group and lawmakers on the US political development:

Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) president Francis Lim 

The United States has been a very important ally and economic partner of the Philippines. There is an estimated 4 million Filipinos living in the United States. We are glad that America has a President-elect after a contentious political campaign and nail-biting electoral count.

We are emboldened by the victory speech of President-elect Joe Biden. We nurture the hope that he will lead America with steady hands in this difficult time given the enormous challenges, like reviving the virus economy, healing the divide in the nation and across nations, protecting democratic ideals around the world, addressing the imperatives of the environment and social inequality, and strengthening global cooperation, peace and stability.

Akbayan chair emeritus Etta Rosales

Akbayan congratulates the American people for defeating Donald Trump and electing their first woman Vice President in the recently concluded US elections. Trump's electoral defeat is an important turning point in the global struggle to defend democracy. It is a crucial victory that allows democracy to live another day. It contains, in the belly of the beast no less, the spread of despotism, and reclaims much-needed democratic spaces to push back more against the global threat of authoritarian populism.

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan

We congratulate US President-elect Joe Biden, VP-elect Kamala Harris, and the people of the United States. As it is in the US, it is the will of the people who in their vast numbers animate democracy and chart the course of their future.

The gift of democracy is a gift we the people give ourselves, and democracy is kept alive by passion and vigilance to translate our individual actions into a collective outcome.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri

Now it's time to heal, time to stop fighting and start believing in each other in the United States of America. Where the American dream is for everyone and not just for a few. Congratulations is in order not just for the President-elect but for democracy in your country. A model for many countries including ours to follow.

Senator Ralph Recto

Our man in Washington DC is well-positioned to help steer our country’s interests through whatever changes a Democratic White House would bring to PH-US relations.

I am confident that with Secretary Locsin at the helm of the DFA, and with a capable man in our detachment in Washington DC, what is good for our country in the diplomatic front will always be pursued and protected.

Sorsogon Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero

Congratulations President-Elect Joe Biden.... I pray for peace and unity amidst the strong divisiveness in the United States... Here’s to the people of the UNITED (and not a divided) STATES OF AMERICA!!! Cheers!!!

Biden was declared president-elect over the weekend, after his victory in the battleground state of Pennsylvania put him over the threshold of 270 electoral college votes needed to claim the presidency.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo already earlier congratulated the incoming US president. —LBG, GMA News