Asia Matters for America
America Matters for Asia
Explore US-Asia National and Local Connections
An initiative of the East-West Center and Asia Matters for America partners and stakeholders
This special feature highlighted how the US is discussed by the candidates of the Philippines 2016 Presidential Election, which took place on May 9, 2016.
Explore each candidate's background and experience in the US, as well as his or her positions on US-related issues.
Lead Researcher: Melissa Newcomb
Supported by current President Aquino. [Source]
58 years old, comes from one of the country’s richest families and his grandfather was president of the Philippines in the 1940s. His campaign narrative has been that unlike other candidates (Vice President Binay and Senator Poe) he doesn’t have a dramatic life story but that the election is about the Filipino people. [Source]
In 1979 earned a BA in economics and finance from Wharton School…
“There will be increasing competition between the US and China. It will be felt in the West Philippines Sea.” [Source] November 2, 2015
In reference to the final decision-making on the Philippines’ case against China over disputed South China Sea territory: “We have to protect our territory. So the President made that decision and I would have made the same decision...of filing that case. So, you take in all the best inputs that you can, and at the end of the…
“Our entry into this international agreement [the TPP] is not automatic. We must first assess what the plusses and minuses are for us.” [Source] November 23, 2015
"Here's the political reality for any of you who've been following CNN, BBC: TPP is dead. There is no single American presidential candidate that is backing TPP today. I think that the way the dynamics are going in the US today, the chances for TPP are slim to none." [Source] March…
On the Supreme Court and Justice in the Philippines: “The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows foreign entities to preposition logistics within our shores; some quarters are raising concerns whether such an agreement can be entered into by the Executive, without ratification by the Senate. Again, given the assertiveness of our neighbor to the northwest, this issue must be decided by men and women who will interpret the law not just from a theoretical perspective but from the highest and broadest national interest.”