The White House yesterday said Obama and Rodrigo Duterte spoke by phone in their first conversation since Duterte declared victory in the May 9 vote.
Obama noted high voter turnout in the election was a sign of the Philippines' "vibrant democracy," and he highlighted the two nations' "shared commitments to democracy, human rights, rule of law and inclusive economic growth," a statement said.
Duterte has been a controversial character in Philippine politics. The longtime mayor of Davao campaigned on a promise to end crime and corruption. His public threat to kill all criminals helped catapult him to the presidency but has alarmed human rights activists.
"For us, the priorities will remain the security and prosperity of the Philippines. We'll want to see continued efforts in the Philippines in respect of rule of law and to combat corruption, just as we support those types of efforts across Asia and around the world," Rhodes told the Center for a New American Security think tank.
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"We believe that now as much as ever it's important that the US and the Philippines are seen as working together and also working with a network of allies and partners in Southeast Asia," he said.
On Aquino's watch, the Philippines has agreed to opening up several of its military facilities in American forces a quarter-century after nationalist sentiments forced the closure of US bases in the island nation.