House Speaker Martin Romualdez (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino lawmakers have sought the support of United States legislators in further strengthening the defense and economic relations between Manila and Washington.
“We asked for the continued US congressional support for defense and economic security,” said House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Romualdez led lawmakers from the House of Representatives in a visit to Washington, during which they met with US Rep. Young Kim of California’s 40th District.
Kim chairs the US House of Representatives’ foreign affairs subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe and House Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. were present during the meeting with Kim.
Other members of the delegation were Representatives Tobias Tiangco and Jose Aquino II, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco and House Sergeant at arms Napoleon Taas.Romualdez’s cousin, Philippine ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, was also present during the discussion.
“On top of our strong military security with the US, Rep. Kim has vowed to work with us to further strengthen and expand the country’s economic security with them. This partnership will boost productivity, drive economic growth and generate new jobs,” the House Speaker said.
Romualdez said US support for the Philippines’ economic security will be a big boost for the country’s full recovery from the pandemic.
“Our strong strategic economic partnership will enhance economic cooperation that is very important for sustainable growth and development,” he said.
He added: “We must work together by expanding and prioritizing our investments. Fostering economic cooperation and facilitating trade are keys for long-term growth and stability.”
The House Speaker previously called for stronger bilateral cooperation between Manila and Washington, especially in the areas of health, security, and the environment.
For his part, the Philippine ambassador said Kim was pleased to meet the House Speaker and that Kim is planning to visit Manila by November this year.
“She (Representative Kim) is very pleased to meet the House Speaker and the members of his delegation. She would very much like to continue the dialogue and plans to be in Manila and her congressional delegation sometime this November,” he said.