Trump wins

VIRTUAL REALITY

- TONY LOPEZ

Republican Donald J. Trump, 78, the oldest to seek the US presidency, appears to be winning, and handily, over the Democratic Party's presidential amateur, Kamala Harris, 60. Trump is leading in the electoral college vote, 267 to Harris's 214. Only 270 electoral college votes are needed to win the most powerful job in the world.

At this writing, Trump was delivering a victory speech as the incoming 47th president, citing "an incredible movement, the greatest political movement of all time."

"We are going to help our country heal. We are going to fix our country," he vowed. "I will not rest until we can deliver a strong, safe and prosperous America, the golden age of America." "Make America Great Again," he said as his supporters shouted, "USA! USA! USA!" "America has given us a powerful mandate. Wow," he gloated. Trump is the first felon set to win the US presidency.

The Republican Party has won the Senate, gaining two seats, to 51 against the Democrats' 42 so far. The GOP has made early gains to retain House control. If Trump's win becomes official, the Republican Party will have near complete control of the government.

Is a Trump presidency good for the Philippines? Ultimately, yes. Trump has decided China is an enemy - in trade, in technology, in military rivalry and in geopolitical influence. His vice president-elect, the equally nasty-talking JD Vance, has promised "the greatest economic comeback in American history." That means business for the Philippines.