Grateful PBBM thanks US for ‘massive’ aid during pandemic

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday thanked the United States for its “massive” assistance at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marcos made the remark in his first faceto-face meeting with US President Joe Biden in New York City, where the two talked about strengthening Manila and Washington’s longstanding alliance.

“Again, we would like to thank the United States for the massive help that we received during the pandemic. We had the provision of up to 35 — almost 36 million doses of vaccines very early on, ahead of some of the other countries. And for that, we are very, very grateful,” Marcos told Biden.

Marcos, who hailed the 100-plus-year-old relationship between the Philippines and the US, also noted the role of the United States in maintaining peace in the region.

“But the role of the United States in maintaining the peace in our region is something that is much appreciated by all the countries in the regions and the Philippines especially,” said Marcos. “We continue to look to the United States for that continuing partnership and the maintenance of peace in our region.” Biden, meanwhile, said the foundations are strong in the U.S.Philippine alliance, “which is of critical importance.”

“And we have strong ties, including millions of Filipino Americans who are very proud of their ancestry and desperately want us to continue to have a strong relationship,” said Biden. “For decades, the alliance has strengthened both of us, I believe.”

Marcos met Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where the Philippine leader took note of the rich-poor divide and called for action on inequality and climate change. (PND)