Senators expect PH-US good relations to continue under Trump

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

In a message to reporters, Senate President Francis Escudero admitted that he is not certain of Trump’s plans but said he is positive that they would favor Filipinos. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senators on Thursday expressed hope for continued “excellent relations” between the Philippines and the United States under President-elect Donald Trump.

In a message to reporters, Senate President Francis Escudero admitted that he is not certain of Trump’s plans but said he is positive that they would favor Filipinos.

“I cannot foretell what President-elect Trump may or may not do. However, our country’s relations with the US was fairly well under his presidency before, so I am hopeful that his assumption would bode well for our country,” Escudero said.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino highlighted Trump’s focus on revitalizing the American economy, which could bring stability to global affairs and benefit the Philippines.

“The election of Donald Trump with a clear and commanding mandate should bring healing and stability to the United States which, in recent years, has been polarized by diverging opinions over politics and the economy,” Tolentino said in a statement, anticipating a stronger and more dynamic chapter in US-Philippines relations.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, in a Facebook post, said he sees the Americans choosing to preserve their traditional institutions, customs, and values by electing Trump.

“We can see that the United States of America has once again leaned towards Conservatism, the protection of the Family and their respect for God and Country! When the other camp uses abortion as a key campaign slogan and heavily using a woke agenda, then the silent majority will awaken and say enough is enough,” Zubiri said.

“As a Catholic, my heart is full of joy that hopefully there would be an agenda that is Pro Family, Pro God, Pro Economy, even Pro-Gun and Anti Crime. The people have spoken. Democracy wins.”

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a supporter of Trump, expressed his excitement about potentially visiting the US again.

“My kumpadre is winning the polls. I think I can visit the US of A again. Let’s go Republicans!” Dela Rosa said in his Facebook post with an old photo of him with Trump.

Senator Robinhood Padilla congratulated Trump and praised the peaceful election process, emphasizing the power of the people’s vote.

“It is my hope that the Philippines, our Motherland, will benefit from Mr. Trump’s leadership in the coming years,” Padilla said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda affirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to shared democratic values with the US.

“Our diplomatic and defense alliance with the United States has long served as a pillar of stability in the Asia-Pacific, guided by shared aspirations for peace, security, and respect for sovereignty,” she said.

Legarda said she is hoping for further cooperation with US in areas of mutual interest, including economic resilience, climate action, and regional security.

PH-US military relations remain strong

A Philippine Navy official said Thursday that relations between the Philippines and US militaries remain strong despite the change in American leadership.

“Our long history of shared values, common interests, and respect for international law will transcend administrations both in the US and in our country. Our military relationship will remain strong,” PN spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told the Philippine News Agency.

“It is in both our interest that the Indo-Pacific will remain free and open to all,” he added. (With Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)