Duterte greets Biden as Philippines eyes continuity of ‘long-standing partnership’ with US

President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, Malacañang said Thursday, as the Philippines looks forward to continuing its “long-standing partnership” with its traditional ally.

Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said the President sent his “warmest greetings” and “best wishes” to Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris. Roque, however, said he had no information whether Duterte plans to speak to Biden soon to discuss bilateral relations.

“We in the Philippines look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the United States in working together for a freer, more peaceful world,” Roque said at a news conference.

“We’re confident that President Biden will wear his mantle of leadership with pride and with due regard to the hopes and admiration of the rest of the world.”

Biden succeeded Donald Trump, the billionaire businessman turned politician who had enjoyed a cordial relationship with Duterte. After assuming office on Wednesday, Biden signed executive orders reversing some of Trump’s policies including immigration and climate change.

Manila’s Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier said the Philippines would benefit from the immigration policies under Biden, who supports a plan to create a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants.

The 78-year-old American leader served as vice president under Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama, who angered Duterte with his criticism of the Philippines’ war on drugs in 2016. — BM, GMA News