MALACAÑANG on Friday congratulated Republican billionaire Donald Trump, who was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America.
“Congratulations, Mr. Trump. It’s [an] unexpected but overwhelming victory for you. We hope that his administration would be a success because his success would be the success of the American people,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said Friday.
The Palace official said he also expects President Rodrigo Duterte to get along better with Trump than with President Barack Obama, who criticized his war on drugs.
“From the body language of the two Presidents, I think there will be a harmonious relationship between the two countries,” Panelo said.
“I think [there will be a better relationship.] Given the fact that the incoming President expresses his admiration for the President of our country,” he added.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the economic priorities of US President-elect Donald Trump resonate with those of Duterte.
“Trump, viewed by many as someone who talks straight and authentic, gets things done and does what’s good for his countrymen, were attributes mentioned of US President-elect Trump and these sound familiar,” said Lopez, who is in Davos, Switzerland for this year’s World Economic Forum meeting.
Duterte earlier revealed snippets of his phone call with Trump last Dec. 2. According to Duterte, Trump said they should fix “bad relations.”
“[Y]ou just set something good here and you’re doing great. I know what’s your worry about these Americans criticizing you. You are doing good; go ahead,” Duterte said, quoting Trump.
Duterte said he considers Trump a friend.
“That’s why I’m very impressed with you, Mr. President,” Duterte quoted Trump as saying. “Oh yes, when you come to Washington, D.C. or New York City, look me up and we’ll have coffee.”