18 June 2012- Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. attended the Philippine Independence Day Gala Ball, organized by the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. last June 9.

Arriving from Los Angeles on the same day to send off President Benigno S. Aquino III after his successful visit to the US, Ambassador Cuisia spoke about the outcomes of the visit and the President's meeting with President Barack Obama at the Oval Office.

In his remarks, the Ambassador outlined the discussion between the two Presidents including the United States' commitment to the Philippines-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and to its historical bilateral alliance with the Philippines.

Ambassador Cuisia also informed the body that Senate leaders, led by Senate President Pro Tempore Daniel Inouye, hosted a reception for the President and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted a luncheon in honor of the President at the Department of State.

The Ambassador also said, "The Filipino American community is certainly at the crux of this evolving and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States." END