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

State Department says Clinton not going anywhere

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department shot down a report Thursday that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has been in discussions with the White House about heading the World Bank.

"The story is completely untrue," Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines said in the United Arab Emirates, where Clinton was involved in international talks on Libya.

He said Clinton has not had any conversations with President Barack Obama, the White House "or anyone else about moving to the World Bank. She has expressed absolutely no interest in the job. She would not take it if offered."

Reuters, citing sources familiar with the discussions, said her discussions involved leaving the State Department next year to lead the World Bank.

The current bank president is Robert Zoellick, whose term does not end until 2012.

The bank declined to comment Thursday.

But at a news conference Wednesday in Olso, Norway, Zoellick was asked whether it's right that an American should lead the institution.

"I think this really is a decision for shareholders, and I think there are many talented non-Americans and Americans," he said. He added, "I think it's good for the U.S. to also have some responsibility, to have some of its nationals be engaged in multinational institutions."

Clinton has said she doesn't want to stay in her job if Obama wins a second term in 2012.

The nation's top diplomat also has said she neither has plans for a second White House bid nor interest in other posts, such as vice president or defense secretary.

"I am doing what I want to do right now and I have no intention or any idea even of running again," she told CNN in March. "I'm going to do the best I can at this job for the next two years."