Phl Legion of Honor for Hillary

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has conferred the Legion of Honor on US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for her support for the country’s advocacy for a rules-based approach to resolving territorial claims.

On behalf of President Aquino, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario conferred on Tuesday the Legion of Honor on Clinton at the US State Department in Washington.

The Philippine Legion of Honor is the highest honor that the President may grant to an individual without the concurrence of Congress. The highest rank, Chief Commander, is normally conferred on heads of state or governments, and distinguished individuals in recognition of their contribution to the country.

The first American to be conferred the rank of Chief Commander was US President Franklin D. Roosevelt (posthumous). Also given the same honor were President Dwight Eisenhower, General Douglas MacArthur, and Sen. Daniel Inouye.

“Secretary Clinton strongly supported the Philippines’ advocacy for a rules-based approach in resolving competing claims over maritime areas through peaceful and diplomatic processes within the framework of international law. On various occasions, she spoke up for the common interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, and transit of people across the seas,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Expressing her appreciation, Clinton reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities.

As Secretary of State, Clinton signed with Del Rosario the Manila Declaration, confirming the two countries’ commitment to the objectives of the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

On the sidelines of Aquino’s 2012 official working visit to the US, she also signed with Del Rosario a statement of support for the construction, outfitting and training of a new National Coast Watch Center for the Philippines.

In September 2010 in New York, Aquino and Clinton unveiled the $434-million Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Compact aimed at reducing poverty through economic growth.