Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo meets with the United States congressional delegation on August 19, 2022. Courtesy: Enrique Manalo, Twitter
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement in promoting peace during his meeting with the United States (US) congressional delegation on Friday.
The meeting, the DFA chief added, also offered an opportunity for the US congressional delegation to reaffirm the Philippines’ “extraordinary role” as well as the alliance in Washington’s defense and security policy.
“Earlier today, I exchanged views with a U.S. Congressional delegation (CODEL), led by [Senator Ed Markey], on the overall direction & future of bilateral relations under new PH admin. The CODEL reaffirmed the extraordinary role of PH and the alliance in U.S. defense & security policy,” Manalo wrote on Twitter.
“I underscored the importance of the bilateral partnership and the continuing diplomatic engagement with other regional actors, including [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations], in promoting the peace and prosperity of both countries and the region as a whole,” he added.
The visit of the US congressional delegation happened after China conducted military drills around Taiwan in retaliation to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to the self-governing island being claimed by Beijing.
READ: US congressional delegation arrives in Taiwan on heels of Pelosi visit
Before visiting the Philippines, the US congressional delegation visited Taiwan.
Visiting de Lima
The US congressional delegation was likewise able to visit detained former Senator Leila de Lima on Friday after securing a court order.
Police on Thursday barred the group from visiting de Lima “due to lack of authority from court.”
READ: Courts allow De Lima to receive visitors from US Congress
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the delegation then requested for access which was supported by the executive branch.
“The delegation secured access by following the applicable judicial and administrative procedures,” Daza told reporters in a message on Friday.
“The executive branch including DFA interposed no objection and supported the request,” she added.
US Senator Markey, who led the US congressional delegation, has been calling for de Lima’s release. To recall, Markey was among three US senators banned by former President Rodrigo Duterte from entering the Philippines.