Trump’s win draws mixed reactions from PH senators
Senators have mixed reactions to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential race as some were optimistic that the Philippine-US ties would continue while others were worried over the possible loss of jobs for Filipinos.
For Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, the new US administration could mean a “clean slate” for the relations between Manila and Washington.
“This is no longer President (Barack) Obama who commented on the program of our President in a negative way,” Pimentel said, referring to US’ reported criticisms on the alleged human right abuses under President Rodrigo Duterte’ war on illegal drugs.
“There is a new US Ambassador, it is no longer Philip Goldberg. We have a new president- Trump man o (Hillary) Clinton, who has not yet negatively commented on any program of the Philippine program. So clean slate,” he said in an interview even before Trump was officially declared winner in the US election.
Despite the change in leadership in the US, neophyte Senator Win Gatchalian expressed hope for the continuation of “stable” trade relations between the two nations.
“Throughout decades of constant change in the political landscapes of our respective countries, the Philippines and the United States have always maintained close economic ties,” Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on economic affairs, said in a statement.
“I hope President-elect Trump and his government will be willing to continue the cordial trade relationship between our countries in pursuit of mutual growth and development for our respective economies,” he said.
Gatchalian said Duterte might have also met his “stylistic match” in Trump, who he said is being compared to Duterte because both are frank, have strong personality, and “rockstar-like” following among their constituents.
“I think that the first Duterte-Trump meeting will be one of the most anticipated meetings between two Heads of State in a long time. Who knows, maybe they’ll even become friends,” the senator added.
But in an interview before the winner in the US poll was announced, Gatchalian expressed concern over the possible effect of Trump’s victory on the jobs for Filipinos.
“With Hillary (Clinton) comes with certainty and a lot of the policies but with Trump a lot of uncertainties,” he said.
“What’s worrisome are the jobs, which is being provided here by the US, especially our call centers because from what I hear from his policies, it’s going to be more protectionist policies. Giving jobs to the Americans first, bringing home jobs,” Gatchalian said.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the Philippines also noted Trump’s earlier pronouncements against immigrants.
“Judging by the statements that were uttered before by Mr. Donald Trump, hindi sya mahilig sa mga immigrants kaya tingnan natin kung ano ang magiging national policy America…”
“Si Clinton kasi, the national policies that are in place as far as the Philippines is concerned, will stay. Nakakasiguro tayo na walang bastang magbabago dun but with the new policy that will come [under a] Trump [administration], that’s a different story,” Sotto added in a separate interview also after Trump’s win.
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