MALACAÑANG welcomed Saturday a prospective lightning visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the Philippines, 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 the official’s visit.

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“Definitely, that’s exactly the objective that’s what our President is working for, that is why she is pushing for automated elections along with peaceful, orderly transition of power,” Remonde said over radio interview.

“Those issues are the issues where the President and Secretary Clinton will see each other eye to eye and of course with the rest of the world,” he added.

The Palace official also noted President Arroyo has a “close relationship” with the Clintons, being a classmate of former US President William “Bill” Clinton at Georgetown University.

The last time Mrs. Clinton visited the Philippines was as First Lady. She is now Secretary of State under the Obama administration.

“Modesty aside, former President Clinton speaks very highly of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. We very well welcome Hillary Clinton’s visit as Secretary of State,” said Remonde. “For us, the visit of Secretary Clinton further shows RP-US ties remain robust.”

For his part, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who is in Baguio City, said he also welcomes Clinton’s visit.

The Philippines values the US’ help, especially during 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 November 19.

She is scheduled to hold closed-door meetings with President Arroyo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. (JMR/Sunnex)