US VP Harris pays courtesy call on Marcos

United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday arrived at Malacañang Palace for her courtesy call on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Before her scheduled meeting with Marcos, Harris, the first woman and first woman of color to become US vice president, met with her Philippine counterpart, Sara Duterte.

During their meeting, Harris told Marcos that any attack made against Philippine forces in the South China Sea would invoke the US' mutual defense promises.

The two leaders also shared light moments during their talk. Marcos said he is very delighted to welcome the American leader in the Philippines.

"And we have been looking forward to this visit for a while, and we've been preparing for it. The Vice President has been working hard to make sure that the visit goes well and smoothly. So but we are happy that you have arrived. It is unfortunate that it is such a quick visit," Marcos said.

"We would have hoped to have shown you more of the Philippines. Although, I suppose you actually are doing that because you are seeing some of the prettiest parts of the Philippines in Palawan," he added.

Marcos, in jest, said: "And I'm sure you're just going to the resorts and the beaches."

In response, Harris said: "That is not the life I've chosen these days."

For her part, Harris said she is happy that she visited the Philippines during the holiday season. She noted that the Philippines celebrates the Christmas season for three months every year, which she described as "wonderful."

"Well, it is good to be here with you in this season. And as you said, the basis of our relationship is multifaceted. Our relationship is based on mutual commitment to the economic prosperity of the region and our respective nations," Harris said.

On Tuesday, Harris is scheduled to go to Palawan, a "historic visit that would involve meetings with local fishermen, community leaders and Philippine Coast Guard," according to US officials.

She is set to deliver remarks which will emphasize the importance of international law, unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

According to Marcos, Harris' visit to Palawan will not have negative implications on the relations between the Philippines and China.

Harris has told Asian leaders that the US is a "proud Pacific power," noting that the longstanding US network of security alliances has allowed Asia to prosper. —KBK, GMA Integrated News