LEADERS of the House of Representatives expressed optimism today on the economic benefits the Philippines stand to reap from tomorrow’s (April 11) trilateral summit among US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
“We expect the three leaders to agree on expanded economic cooperation among their nations. The economic advantages this summit could produce for us Filipinos are potentially enormous,” Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. said.
Echoing the senior House leader’s expectation, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe said trade cooperation would most likely be enhanced as a result of the three leaders’ discussions.
“We have to remember that the US and Japan are among our country’s biggest trading partners,” he said.
For his part, Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez said the Philippines also expects increased military and financial help from the US and Japan.
“These two allies of ours are our largest and most generous sources of official development assistance,” he said.
Gonzales, Dalipe and Suarez pointed out that aside from economic gains, the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region in general could expect peace dividends from the trilateral summit.
“Presidents Biden and Marcos and Prime Minister Kishida will surely discuss peace and stability in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” they said.
According to them, the South China Sea is a vital world trade route. “The international community should ensure freedom of navigation and overflight there. Peace in this area will contribute to the economic development of the region,” they said.
