By: Joy Catleya Antonio 

China has congratulated the leading candidates in the Philippines. 

Former Senator Bongbong Marcos Jr. continues to lead the partial and unofficial count, being on the cusp of winning by a landslide.  

His running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, also leads the vice presidential race by a wide margin over her rivals. 
 
They also commended the country for having a smooth election on May 9. 
 
“China congratulated the Philippines on the smooth presidential election. Our congratulations also go to the leading candidates. We hope and believe that various political forces in the Philippines will continue to work in solidarity for national renewal and development,” said Zhao Lijian, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

“We are good partners for mutually-beneficial cooperation and fellow travelers on the road to common development. Under the strategic guidance of our heads of state, bilateral relations have been steadily upgraded. The flourishing relationship has delivered benefits to both peoples and contributed to regional peace and stability,” he added. 

According to Zhao, they will continue to work with the Phillippines and focus on post-COVID growth, bring more tangible benefits to the people and expand win-win cooperation.

Meanwhile, the United States said they are looking forward to working with the incoming President of the Philippines “on key human rights and regional priorities, to strengthen the enduring alliance between them.

“We’re monitoring the election results, and we look forward to renewing our special partnership and to working with the next administration on key human rights and regional priorities,” 
US State Department spokesman Ned Price said.  

“The counting is still underway. It is not for us to declare a winner. We’ll wait for the Philippines election authorities to do that. We look forward to working with the president-elect on the shared values and the shared interests that have united our countries across generations,” he added.