US greets PHL on Independence Day

Filipinos received a congratulatory message for Independence Day from the United States, where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reassured them of the US' commitment as "long-time friends and partners."

In her statement for the Philippines' National Day, Clinton said the Philippines and the US continue to work on many new fronts, after a long history of standing together to defend liberal democratic values.

"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of the Philippines on the 113th anniversary of your declaration of independence this June 12," she said in her statement posted on the US Embassy in Manila's website.

"The United States and the Philippines are long-standing friends and partners. We stood together during World War II to defend liberal democratic values. Today, we are working together on many new fronts. Whether we are working to find ways to catalyze economic growth, helping victims of natural disasters, combating extremism, or calling for greater protection of human rights, our two countries share a vision of a better world," she added.

She said the US supports the Philippine government’s commitment to fight corruption, promote judicial reform, reduce poverty, and create opportunities for its people.

Both countries are "cooperating in new ways on everything" from the Partnership for Growth joint effort to boost prosperity in the Philippines, to the Open Government Partnership initiative to improve governance and transparency around the globe, she added.

"Together through our Millennium Challenge Corporation compact we are working to reduce poverty through economic growth. The Philippines is a committed partner on so many issues," she said.

"Please accept my sincere thanks for your friendship and best wishes for your continued success and prosperity on this special day," she added. — LBG, GMA News