US Vice President Kamala Harris.
UNITED States Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Sunday night, beginning a 3-day official trip to the Philippines.
This is the first visit to the country by the first Asian-American vice president of the US.
On Monday, Harris is scheduled to meet her Philippine counterpart, Vice President Sara Duterte, followed by President Marcos in Malacañang Palace.
Air Force Two, the vice president’s official plane, landed at 6:52 PM amid heavy security.
Harris flew into Manila from Bangkok, Thailand, where she attended the 29th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting.
She was accompanied by her husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, who earlier came to the Philippines as part of the US delegation for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s inaugural.
They were greeted by a military band playing arrival honors.
Harris’s welcoming party at the ramp included US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava.
Present from the Philippine side were Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, vice presidential spokesperson Reynold Munsayac, and chief of presidential protocol Adelio Cruz.
Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Pasay Rep. Antonino Calixto, and Manila International Airport Authority assistant general manager Rafael Regular also greeted Harris.
