Duterte congratulates Donald Trump

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Nov 09 2016 04:19 PM | Updated as of Nov 09 2016 09:42 PM

Duterte congratulates Donald Trump 1
Donald Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte. File/Composite

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte is looking forward to working with Donald Trump, who was elected US President Wednesday.

"President Duterte wishes President-elect Trump success in the next four years as Chief Executive and commander-in chief of the U.S. military, and looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law," the Office of Communications Secretary said in a statement.

Duterte, likewise, commended the American democratic tradition, which they practiced through the presidential election.

"The United States presidential elections is a testament to the enduring traditions of its democratic system and the American way of life. The two-party system gives American voters freedom of choice based on party platforms, not just on personalities."

Trump, the 70-year-old Republican nominee, was elected the 45th president of the United States after securing 276 electoral votes over Clinton's 218, according to the AP count.

-- With reports from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News