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
70 years old, eldest of seven siblings to a father who was a lawyer and a mother who was an educator. [Source]
Known for her intellectual prowess, has a large following among the youth but many are worried that for her health as she is battling cancer. [Source]
Graduated with her BA in Political Science in 1965 and her Bachelor of Law in 1969 from the University of the Philippines. [
Drafted a resolution in Senate that EDCA go through Senate review which was approved by 14 Senators, including Grace Poe in November 2015. [Source]
On EDCA and protection from China: “You know, these diplomatic ins and outs are extremely complicated. There is no possible basis for saying it’s simple—let us side with America and it will fight the Chinese for us and that will be over. Of course not, what are you saying?” [Source] November 6, 2015
…“The government seems to have grown complacent on the issue of the West Philippine Sea dispute, confident that the international tribunal now hearing the memorial it has filed against China will rule in its favor.” [Source] March 3, 2016
Santiago says that if elected president, she will not depend on the US to resolve maritime disputes with China and instead will handle negotiating with China and other countries so find solutions. [Source] March 3, 2016
On maritime disputes with…