President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
February 20, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte met with the US-Philippines Society board of directors in a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of Malacañan Palace.

In his message, the President expressed his gladness on the number of attendees that joined the event, saying that the occasion served as an opportunity to further enhance relations between the United States of America and the Philippines.

He informed the US-Philippines Society of government’s continuing efforts to counter terrorism in the country, most especially in Mindanao, in order to achieve genuine peace for the region and for the Moro people. He also stressed that he is a great believer in law and order to bring economic development.

In response, USA Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Sung relayed his appreciation to President Duterte for receiving them, and said that the Society has complete respect for the sovereignty of the country, and is also looking forward to further strengthen relations.

Likewise, the Society’s co-chair, Ambassador John D. Negroponte, said that he was struck by the passion of President Duterte in delivering his message and commended him for bringing the menace of illegal drugs out in the open because most people would ‘sweep it under the rug.’ He added that the courtesy call is a good basis to carry relations forward and will support the anti-illegal drug campaign with the help of both government and the private sector.

The US-Philippines Society is a private sector initiative organized to ‘broaden and expand interaction and understanding in areas of security, trade, investments, tourism, environment, history, education and culture’ between the US and the Philippines.

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