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
Endorsed by former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. [Source]
47 years old, Poe was found as an infant in a church and adopted by famous actors Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jr. She was recently approved to run for President despite unknown origins and family who are US citizens. [Source]
Earned her BA in Political Science from Boston College in 1991, remaining in the US with her husband. They lived predominantly…
Speaking to US Ambassador Philip Goldberg at a forum organized by Rotary Club Manila: "I'm sorry to say this Mr. Ambassador but I know the US is our ally. But we cannot fault [the Philippines] for thinking of their own interests. In pursuing any conflict, the first interest that we need to think of are our constituents." [Source] June 11, 2015
On November 6, 2015, Poe voted for a resolution drafted by Senator Miriam Santiago that EDCA should go through the Senate…
“We really need to continue with our arbitration case. China and the Philippines are both signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. On the other hand, our relationship with China dates back centuries." [Source] June 11, 2015
“The West Philippine Sea is ours. We will protect our right through peaceful means, and according to international law. We will beef up our Coast Guard and armed forces so that we need not be intimidated by other countries.” [
Shortly before absentee voting began, Poe released a video encouraging Filipinos in America to pursue dual-citizenship between the US and the Philippines: “I encourage the more than 4 million of you living and working in the United States to apply for dual citizenship. I appeal to all of you to exercise your birthright. Become dual citizens because the Philippines is still your home. The advantages, I assure you, are substantial, including the right to vote and to own property in the Philippines.”