The Philippines and the U.S. have had a strong relationship with each other for a very long time now. We have a shared history. We have shared values, democracy, freedom, and we have been in all the wars together in modern history, the World War, Second World War, Cold War, Vietnam, Korea, now the war on terrorism.

The Philippines has no policy that demands sacrifice of human lives.

While there's been much progress on terrorism, there's still much work to do and it is very important that the countries work together in order to address this threat together.

I want ordinary people to enjoy a decent standard of living, with ever increasing security, comfort and joy.

Before September 11, we were fighting terrorism in our southwestern Philippines, and it was a lonely fight. However, we were able to contain it now in one island in that part of the Philippines. But after September 11, and after the creation of the global coalition against terrorism, now we have allies, and I believe now it will easier with allies.

I follow my father's philosphy; 'Do what is good, do what is right, and God will take care of the rest.'

In the harshest possible terms, I condemn political killings.