Arroyo to assure Hillary of clean 2010 polls during RP visit

Malacañang welcomed Saturday a prospective lightning visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the country, saying it is further proof of robust relations between the Philippines and the United States. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is ready to reassure Clinton of clean elections in 2010, should the topic be brought up during Clinton’s visit. “Definitely, that’s exactly the objective that’s what our president is working for, kaya pinu-push niya ang automation of election ... and yan din ang peaceful orderly transition of power, yan ang hangarin ng presidente (Definitely, Mrs. Arroyo’s objective is working for clean and honest elections, that is why she is pushing for automated elections along with peaceful, orderly transition of power)," Remonde said on government-run dzRB radio. “Those issues are the issues where the president and Sec. Clinton will see each other eye to eye and of course with the rest of the world," he added. Remonde also noted Mrs. Arroyo has a “close relationship" with the Clintons, being a classmate of former US President William “Bill" Clinton at Georgetown University. He added the last time Mrs. Clinton visited the Philippines was as First Lady. Mrs. Clinton is now Secretary of State under the Obama administration. “Modesty aside, former President Clinton speaks very highly of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Welcome na welcome natin ang visit ni Hillary as Secretary of State (We welcome Hillary Clinton’s visit as Secretary of State)," he said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who is in Baguio City, said he also welcomes Clinton’s visit. Government-run dzRB radio said the Philippines values the US’ help, especially when it helped in rescue and relief efforts for victims of recent cyclones. Clinton is to make a lightning visit to the Philippines next week on her way to Singapore for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Summit. She is expected to arrive Thursday and stay for about 24 hours before flying out again to visit other Asian countries and proceed to Singapore for the Apec conference on Nov. 19. She is scheduled to hold closed-door meetings with Mrs. Arroyo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. - GMANews.TV