MANILA, Philippines -- US President Donald Trump has invited the Philippines to join the Board of Peace that he set up to promote peacekeeping efforts worldwide, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Thursday.
The envoy said Trump has written President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to invite him to "be a member of the Board of Peace."
Romualdez on Thursday joined US Embassy Chargé d' Affaires Robert Ewing to launch the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Washington.
Asked if the Philippines intends to join, Romualdez, in a chance interview, said, "We're looking at what kind of commitment is being asked of us. And of course, we have to find out how we can be of help."
"We've always been for finding a way to contribute in any kind of peace effort. So, if this is something that the Philippines can be part of, then, very likely we'll accept the invitation," he added.
Asked if the Philippines would be able to contribute $1 billion to join the board, Romualdez said, "The $1 billion is basically for those who want to be permanent members."
"Maybe we can contribute our human resources or something along those lines. But I don't think we can [afford it]," the ambassador said.
"Well, I don't want to speak for our finance people. But I don't think at this point in time we can afford to put any kind of amount of money outside necessarily," Romualdez said.
