THE State of Israel has joined members of the international community in congratulating the Philippines for the successful conduct of the local and national elections on Monday, May 9.

A congratulatory message to the Philippines, a copy of which was sent by the Embassy of Israel in Manila to The Manila Times, states:

“Mabuhay! We congratulate the Philippines for demonstrating democracy through the national and local elections last May 9.

“Israel will continue to work closely with the incoming administration of the Philippines to strengthen the friendly historic ties of our nations and to deepen the existing partnerships in agriculture, food security, water, tourism, innovation and technology, [and] defense, among others.”

On Wednesday, Zhao Lijian, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, also commended the Philippines on the smooth conduct of the elections.

“China congratulates the Philippines on the smooth presidential elections. Our congratulations also go to the leading candidates. We hope and believe that various political forces in the Philippines will continue to work in solidarity for national renewal and development,” Zhao said.

Earlier, the United States, Japan and the European Union also commended the peaceful and orderly elections in the country as they also congratulated President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

China also extended its greetings to ‘ Marcos and his running mate Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Meanwhile, Marcos’ spokesman and Chief of Staff Vic Rodriguez confirmed that his office had received numerous messages from the members of the diplomatic corps welcoming the incoming administration.

The ambassadors who were first to greet Marcos were Hajah Johariah binti Haji Wahab of Brunei Darussalam, Ilan Fluss of Israel and F M Borhan Uddin of Bangladesh.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also on Friday said his country is looking forward to working with the administration of President-elect Marcos Jr.

“I congratulate Ferdinand Marcos Jr @bongbongmarcos on being elected President of the Philippines at the national elections on 9 May,” Morrison also said in a statement on his Twitter.

“Following the 75th anniversary of Australia-Philippines relations last year, we look forward to continuing to advance our longstanding friendship,” he added.

Marcos is poised to win via landslide after garnering more than 31 million votes that placed him miles ahead of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who obtained just a little over 14 million votes.