Trump invitation to President Duterte a chance to push for welfare of Filipinos in US—Santos

A Catholic prelate believes that the invitation to President Rodrigo Duterte by US President Donald Trump to visit his country is a good opportunity for the former to push for the welfare of Filipinos in the US. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

MANILA—A Catholic prelate believes that the invitation to President Rodrigo Duterte by US President Donald Trump to visit his country is a good opportunity for the former to push for the welfare of Filipinos in the US.

Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos said the Chief Executive’s impending visit to the US to promote how peace loving people, hardworking and trustworthy Filipinos are.

“Yes it is better and beneficial for us. First it is personal and privilege opportunity to appeal for Filipino immigrants for leniency and fair treatment for status, and to manifest to the US government that Filipinos living and working there are peace loving people, hardworking and trustworthy,” he said.

Santos added, “We are contributing much for the greatness and prosperity of America.”

The chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) noted that the visit is also an opportunity to enhance ties with the US, which starts back in the World War II (WWII) and appeal for assistance in connection with the issues in the West Philippine Sea.

“Make also that rare chance, as allied and reliable friends during WWII, to appeal for assistance for our occupied West Philippine Sea territories,” the Balanga bishop added.

The White House announced that Trump has invited President Duterte to visit the US during a phone call on the sidelines of the 30th ASEAN Summit gala dinner on Saturday.

There are some 3 million Filipinos living and working in the US.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella confirmed the invitation but no details have been released regarding the supposed visit.

Trump is looking to attend the East Asia Summit and the US-ASEAN Summit to be held in the Philippines in November.