26 February 2014 - A bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) led by Republican Representative Ed Royce visited the Philippines from February 20 to 21.

The eight-member CODEL was composed of Representatives Ed Royce (Republican, California) Steve Chabot (Republican, Ohio), Brad Sherman (Democrat, California), Joe Kennedy III (Democrat, Massachusetts), Randy Weber (Republican, Texas), Luke Messer (Republican, Indiana), Joe Wilson (Republican, South Carolina) and Madeleine Bordallo (Democrat, Guam).

The US CODEL visited Tacloban to examine the damage caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and to oversee the US assistance given to typhoon-affected areas. All of them expressed their admiration for the extraordinary resilience of the Filipino people. Seeing firsthand the extent of the devastation, they reiterated their commitment to extend assistance for the recovery of the Philippines. 

On February 21, the delegation paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacañan Palace. The congressional delegation’s visit reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two countries. The members of the delegation expressed their interest in strengthening further the political, security, economic and socio-cultural ties with the Philippines. Also present during the call were Cabinet officials including Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.

Members of the CODEL applauded the Aquino administration’s efforts in curbing corruption, demonstrating that the United States recognizes the Philippines’ improvements in good governance. They noted America’s high confidence in the Philippine government.

The CODEL also praised the Philippines for its adherence to international law in the settlement of territorial disputes. 

The US lawmakers spent a week-long tour in Asia meeting with high-level officials in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. END