Trump acknowledged Marcos’ congratulatory SMS — PH envoy

United States President-elect Donald Trump acknowledged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message on his return to the White House.

US Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez told this to GMA News Online on Thursday. He said Marcos congratulated Trump via SMS.

“PBBM congratulated Pres Trump via SMS and was acknowledged with thanks,” Romualdez said.

Asked if Marcos will attend the inauguration, Romualdez said he is yet uncertain if Trump’s team will invite other world leaders.

“We don’t know if Trump’s transition team will be inviting foreign leaders to the inauguration,” Romualdez said.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Marcos congratulated Trump on his apparent victory.

"President Trump has won, and the American  people triumphed, and I congratulate them for their victory in an exercise  which showed the world the strength of American values," Marcos said in a press statement.

The Philippine president looks forward to working with the returning US president on a wide range of issues that "will yield mutual benefits to two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, common vision, and a long history of working together."

"I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force of good that will blaze a path of prosperity and amity, in the region, and in both sides of the Pacific," Marcos said.

"This is a durable partnership the Philippines is fully committed to  because it is founded on the ideals we share: freedom and democracy," he added.

Trump, 78, recaptured the White House on Wednesday by securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency.

Trump had won 279 electoral votes to Vice President Kamala Harris' 223 with several states yet to be counted. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News