US Congressional delegation visited Manila looking into U.S. – Philippine relations
A Congressional delegation led by Rep. Ed Royce (39th District, California), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs completed a three day visit to Manila, Philippines, “looking into U.S. – Philippine relations, with a particular focus on opportunities for economic growth and development”, according to a US Embassy, Manila press release Wednesday.
According to the release, in addition to a meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacañang, the delegation met with a number of senior Philippine officials, including Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and other cabinet secretaries.
Chairman Royce said, “America’s pivot to Asia is a broad effort to be more fully engaged in this region. This includes security, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges. By working closely with our friends in the Philippines to strengthen their economy and rule of law, we bolster the broader U.S.-Philippine relationship. I commend President Aquino for his anti-corruption agenda. Progress is being made at the federal level, but more needs to be done at the local level in order to free the people of the Philippines from decades of poor governance.”