By Michaela Del Callar
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said the Philippines looks forward to continue working with the administration of President Obama, who was re-elected US President Tuesday night (Wednesday in Manila), in strengthening relations between Manila and Washington.
Obama has won the election for second term as president, defeating Republican contender Mitt Romney, in one of the tightest presidential races in US history.
"The Philippines warmly welcomes the successful holding of the recent elections in the United States. The Philippines and the United States share common and deep democratic values, particularly the right of the people to freely choose their leaders,"
"We look forward to continue working with the administration of President Obama in strengthening relations between our countries and in the promotion of peace and progress in our region and the world," the DFA said in a statement.
The department also lauded the high voter turnout of Filipino-Americans and the increasingly active role they play in helping decide the future of the United States.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, for his part, congratulated Obama, noting he is confident that the good ties between Manila and Washington will continue.
"I wish to congratulate President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on their re-election. I am fully confident that the warm and productive relations between the Philippines and the United states will continue, and matters of mutual interest will be pursued under the same atmosphere of trust and friendship that has characterized our relations for decades," Binay said.
US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas Jr. remarked in his Twitter account that Tuesday's elections in America demonstrated that "U.S. Democracy is the winner today!"
