RIYADH, 25 June 2004 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd sent a cable yesterday to President Gloria Arroyo to congratulate her on winning the Philippine presidency.
In the cable, King Fahd said, “On behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I wish the Philippine president continued health and happiness and her people steady progress and prosperity.”
Similar messages of congratulations were sent by Crown Prince Abdullah and Prince Sultan, second deputy premier.The Saudi leadership’s messages come after the proclamation early yesterday of Arroyo as the country’s 14th president. Noli de Castro, Arroyo’s running mate, was named as vice president.
Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia raised Arroyo’s hands in a sign of victory.
Saudi Arabia and the Philippines enjoy close bilateral ties, with the Kingdom being home to some 800,000 overseas Filipinos working in various sectors.
The proclamation of Arroyo was also lauded by overseas Filipinos in the Kingdom, with some saying it dispelled earlier fears that there would be a crisis if no president was proclaimed by June 30, the date when Arroyo’s term expires.
“That crisis is gone and we are happy because it spells peace and order in the Philippines where our loved ones are. Now we can have peace of mind,” said Dr. Carlito Mohd. Ali Astillero, Laboratory Services director at the Al-Mishari Hospital here.
Bioux Manilum, chapter commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in Riyadh, said, “The proclamation of President Arroyo as the winner in the last elections calms fears of violence stoked by militants holding rallies.”
He said, “Now, we can settle down with peace of mind. We should also support the president, despite apparent evidence of fraud committed during the vote counting.”
“Whether it was perpetrated by Arroyo is now water under the bridge. The best thing to do is support her and her projects for the collective good of the country,” he said.
