MANILA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wishes to extend his warm congratulations to newly-elected United States President Donald Trump, his senior government official said Wednesday.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte looks forward to enhancing relations between the Philippines and the United States under the Trump presidency.
"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-U.S. relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law," he said.
Andanar noted that the U.S. presidential elections is a testament to the enduring traditions of its democratic system and the American way of life.
Trump, a Republican, defeated Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, in a close race to win the 45th U.S. presidency.
Clinton concede to Trump after the latter surpassed the threshold of 270 out of the total 538 electoral votes needed to ensure victory.