BY GENALYN KABILING
The Philippine government does not see major changes in the country’s relations with the United States regardless of who wins the US presidential elections, Malacañang said Wednesday.
As the US election count begins, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said they hope the “best man” wins the White House race, adding President Duterte could develop personal relations with the next American president.
American voters cast their ballot Wednesday to elect their next president.
Republican President Donald Trump, who is seeking a second term, is battling against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the US polls after months of bitter campaign during the pandemic.
“The state department ensure continuity as far as foreign policy is concerned so we don’ except any major changes in the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the United States,” Roque said over CNN Philippines Wednesday.
“Of course there’s an issue of personal relations but I think given time the President can establish an equally warm personal relations with whoever wins this elections if it is not President Trump,” he added.
He noted that the President only had a year or two when he fostered a friendship with Trump.
“In case there is a new president of the United states in the person of Senator Biden, I’m confident the President can also develop close personal friendship with Mr. Biden. May the best man win as of now,” he said.
Asked about his forecast about the next US President, Roque declined to comment until the ballots are counted.
“Even US media sources, CNN, Fox are very cautious in making their forecast now. So I think I will follow their lead and really just allow the results to come in,” he said.
