Marcos’ call to Trump highlights ‘positive’ bilateral ties, says DFA

MANILA, Philippines — The congratulatory call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to President-elect Donald Trump highlighted the “positive” bilateral ties of the Philippines and the United States, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday.

“The congratulatory call, described by the President as very friendly and productive, underscored the positive momentum and trajectory in our bilateral relations with the United States,” DFA said in a statement.

READ: Marcos says he had ‘friendly, productive’ phone call with Trump

“It also highlighted the positive role of Filipino Americans in US society, including in the recent successful and peaceful conduct of US elections,” DFA added.

READ: Trump claims victory over Harris in US presidential election

Marcos on Tuesday said that he told Trump that the majority of the Filipinos in the US voted for him, expressing optimism that the president-elect will remember it when they meet.

Further, the DFA expressed their willingness to strengthen ties with Marcos and Trump.

“We look forward to working with the Trump Administration in ensuring that PH-US relations remain robust and benefit from continuing positive momentum in security and defense cooperation, economic partnership, as well as broader and deeper engagement across other areas of mutual interest,” DFA noted.

Trump, who was once the US President from 2016 to 2020, won against Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump previously said that they “are going to help our country heal.”