‘Phl ready to work with next US leader’

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines expects defense cooperation with the United States to remain the same even after the elections, and says it is ready to work closely with whoever the American people will choose between incumbent President Barack Obama and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as the US’s chief executive.

According to Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang, the Aquino administration “has good relations” with both Republicans and Democrats.

Carandang did not comment on specific policies of the US on migration, the business process outsourcing industry, trade and other issues affecting the Philippines, but said “we would expect that the current thrust of US-Philippine defense cooperation would remain essentially unchanged regardless of whether Mr. Obama or Mr. Romney wins the election.”

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said, “If you look at the history of American and Philippine relations, it is safe to assume that whoever wins, whether it be Republican or Democrat, we will continue the relationship and we will continue to work with them.”

Based on reports, many Filipinos who watched the second US presidential debate waited for both the candidates’ stance on immigration issues.

Romney said the US would have to stop illegal immigration as there were four million people waiting in line to get there legally.

“So I will not grant amnesty to those who have come here illegally. I won’t put in place magnets for people coming here illegally. So for instance, I would not give driver’s licenses to those that have come here illegally as the president would,” Romney was quoted as saying in reports.