(Eagle News) — The Palace on Thursday, Nov. 21, expressed hope Filipinos would appreciate China in the future.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after a Social Weather Stations survey found China was still the least trusted country among Filipinos, with a net trust rating of -33.
“We will respect their conviction the way we value their allegiance to the Republic and its elements,” Panelo said, adding that the results were “foreseeable and understandable” because of the dispute between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
“It is in our belief, however, that China, like any other country, will be eventually appreciated by the Filipinos by reason of the President’s independent foreign policy which has resulted in significant benefits favorable to the Philippines,” Panelo said.
“Verily, China could even become a role model of the Philippines in reducing, if not totally eradicating, poverty,” he added.