President Benigno Aquino III wrote a letter Wednesday to United States President Barack Obama, congratulating the former on his reelection. Obama was reelected Nov. 6 (Wednesday, Philippine time) with a victory over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, despite earlier doubts about his handling of the US economy.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda read a prepared statement detailing the contents of the letter, saying that Aquino wrote about how Obama's reelection is proof that American people have trusted him to "stay the course."
Aquino also recalled the message of hope Obama underscored during his first term.
Related story: How the U.S. poll results will affect Pinoys
"In his letter, the President of the Philippines recalled how four years ago, President Obama’s message of hope resonated with the American people and the world, marking the beginning of the long road back for one of the world’s greatest countries," Lacierda said, reading from the statement.
"President Aquino wrote that the American people, in giving a new mandate to Mr. Obama, have trusted him to stay the course, move them forward, and to continue harnessing the voices and ideas of the American people," Lacierda continued.
Aquino also wrote of the Philippines and America's close relations, and expressed hope that they will continue, given a "common set of aspirations—inclusive growth and renewed prosperity."
"[As] a treaty ally and strategic partner of America, the Philippines looks forward to deepening the cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in Mr. Obama’s second term," the statement also said.
Aquino's letter will be available on the government website once Obama receives it, Lacierda said.
Binay, DFA also congratulate Obama/Biden
Vice President Jejomar Binay also released a short statement congratulating Obama and 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."
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday also congratulated Obama, saying that it looks forward to continuing to work with the Obama administration.
Related story: World leaders hail Obama victory, pledge cooperation
"The Philippines and the United States share common and deep democratic values, particularly the right of the people to freely choose their leaders," the DFA said in a statement.
"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 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.
US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas Jr. declared on his Twitter account, "U.S. Democracy is the winner today!"
"Nobody loses when elections are free and fair and the will of the people prevails," Thomas said.
In mock elections conducted by the US Embassy in Manila, the majority of Filipino participants chose Obama with 1,620 votes or 76 percent while Romney got 509 votes or 24 percent. — with a report by Michaela del Callar/BM, GMA News
Also related:
Comelec points out lessons from US elections
No 'epal' in US elections, Padaca observes
Fourteen early winners in the party-list race have been named Friday even as the protracted count of votes continues.
