Thursday, November 06, 2008 Dabawenyos hail Obama's election as US president
DABAWENYOS hailed the election of United Sates Senator Barack Obama as the next US president beating fellow senator John McCain in what is dubbed as the hotly contested election in the US.
In addressing his supporters in Phoenix Tuesday evening (Wednesday noon Philippine time), McCain admitted defeat as he revealed calling Obama and congratulating him for his victory. Though McCain’s supporters jeered Obama’s victory, McCain urged them to offer Obama their goodwill and congratulations for his victory.
House Speaker Prospero Nograles was profuse with praise about Obama's win, adding that whoever came out victorious in the US elections would have not affected the US-Philippine relationship in any way.
"We look forward to working closely with the new leadership in America, especially in these critical global economic times. The work ahead just to revive the economy is tremendous to say the least. Elections are over and it’s time to roll up the sleeves and get to work,” Nograles said.
“Under the Obama presidency, I am hopeful that the global financial market, which is on a roller-coaster pattern, will stabilize and signal the beginning if US economic recovery,” he added.
Davao del Norte ex-vice governor Anthony del Rosario said Obama’s victory signals a new age in US politics.
“The Americans have spoken and President-elect Obama has convincingly won through his platform of change. His win signals a new age in US politics although he has challenges to face in the near future, especially the looming financial crisis and the continuing instability in the Middle East. These are issues affecting not only the United States but the entire world including the Philippines. So much so that what Obama does as President will directly affect our economy. I hope and pray that he does better job compared to his predecessor and that he fulfills his promise of change,” the young del Rosario said.
Compostela Valley Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy said Obama’s win is a “new paradigm shift for the whole world, new direction, new direction, new hope”.
“Obama has introduced new politics for America,” Uy said.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) spokesman Eid Kabalu, meanwhile, expressed delight on the way US politicians reacted quickly to the outcome of the election.
“President Obama promised to reduce USA involvement to global war. That is good to us and the world,” Kabalu said.
Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat, for her part, hopes that Obama’s promise of a positive change will spread out from America to the global community.
Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte is also hoping that Obama’s promise of change will be swift and meaningful.
Meanwhile, Bernardo Piñol Jr., North Cotabato House representative, said that he does not believe Obama will lift a finger to help Mindanao and its people.
"There are indications that US interest is on how to put in place their military in Southern Philippines and that is not help after all," he said in a text message.
Obama became the 44th US president and the first ever black president in the history of America.
Obama, 47, will be inaugurated on January 20, 2009, and inherit an economy mired in the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a nuclear showdown with Iran.
Obama is promising to renew bruised ties with US allies, and to engage some of the most fierce US foes like Iran and North Korea. He has vowed to pass tackle climate change and provide health care to all Americans. (BOT)
