Bongbong Marcos, US envoy tackle ‘deeper’ ties, push for human rights

United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (Twitter post of  US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman)

MANILA, Philippines — United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday ahead of the latter’s June 30 inauguration.

Sherman said several topics were discussed during their meeting including alliance strengthening between the Philippines and the US, as well as advancing human rights.

“I was pleased to meet and congratulate President-elect Marcos,” Sherman said in a tweet.

“We discussed strengthening our longstanding alliance, expanding people-to-people ties, deepening our economic relationship, advancing human rights, and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she added.

I was pleased to meet and congratulate President-elect Marcos. We discussed strengthening our longstanding alliance, expanding people-to-people ties, deepening our economic relationship, advancing human rights, and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/hXzwA7njae

— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) June 9, 2022

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that during the meeting, the two leaders agreed on the importance of partnering together to strengthen economies, particularly on public-private partnerships, clean energy and our digital economy.

“The Deputy Secretary and the President-Elect highlighted the importance of the US-Philippine Alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world and the importance of fostering respect for human rights and rule of law in the Philippines,” Price said in a statement.

“They discussed opportunities for our two nations to deepen our Alliance and friendship and seize new opportunities to deliver for our people in the years to come,” he added.

Sherman’s visit to the Philippines is part of her 10-day visit to Asia from June 5 to 14.

/MUF