Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said that Filipinos should welcome United States President Barack Obama with our famous hospitality, instead of mass protests, in gratitude to the US support during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda as well as their continued help in the West Philippine issue.
The U.S. government was one of the countries who gave the Philippines some much needed help during the said storm that ravaged parts of the Visayas region.
Despite several protests from various militant groups, both governments have already signed a new defense pact that would allow more U.S. troops and machinery in the country. Officials said this would allow for tightened securities against terrorist attacks and/or calamities, among others. The contract is valid for ten years, shorter than some expected.