LETTER
of
His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of The Philippines
to
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ON THE IMMINENT CONCLUSION OF THE PHILIPPINES’ MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT COMPACT AGREEMENT
[July 8, 2010]
MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
July 8, 2010
HIS EXCELLENCY
BARACK OBAMA
President
United States of America
Dear President Obama,
I wish to express my appreciation for the warm congratulations you and your government extended to me upon my election and inauguration as President of the Republic of the Philippines.
My government looks forward to further strengthening the enduring bond of friendship and partnership between the Philippines and the United States.
One area which could not immediately benefit from continued cooperation is the imminent conclusion of the Philippines’ Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Compact agreement.
Once the agreement is signed, the Philippine Government will be able to implement the three development projects and the mutually agreed-upon conditions precedent submitted to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for Compact assistance.
The elimination of poverty, through sustained economic growth, the promotion of good governance and addressing corruption, has been a solemn pledge during my campaign and which I and my government fully intend to accomplish.
We are able to commit to MCC’s principles of ruling justly, investing in people, and promoting economic freedom for we also believe that these will form the foundations of a progressive Philippine society.
I have instructed Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima to communicate with Secretary of State and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board Chair Hillary R. Clinton to provide details on the Philippine Government’s anti-corruption and policy improvement program, including on other maters that may be of high interest to the MCC.
Allow me to reiterate the Philippines’ continued commitment to the MCC process. We appreciate sustained U.S. support and assistance as we embark on our mission to attain peace, justice and prosperity for the Filipino people.
Sincerely,
(SGD.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III