A test for the ties that bind

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

- ANGAT LAHAT! JOEY CONCEPCION

With the US elections just concluded, many people have been asking me, what will this mean for the Philippines now that Donald Trump is set to become the 47th president of the United States of America?

I understand the concern. He is a very polarizing figure. People love him or hate him. His statements are controversial and he certainly does not fit the traditional mold of his predecessors in the Oval Office. However, his victory is decisive and he won even the popular vote. He can do what he wants, now with both houses of Congress dominated by the Republicans, and maybe even the Supreme Court as two justices are set to retire. I heard someone say that if there is anything president-elect Trump does very well, it is making decisions.

His comeback story is one for the books. Say what you want, but you have to admit that it was quite a feat, coming back from disgrace to become the leader of the most powerful country in the world. And for a second time at that.

Which is why so many are asking where the Philippines will be, given the uncertainty that surrounds almost everything about president-elect Trump. Does his victory mean a disruption of the old world order? Will he spark a trade war? What will happen to the Filipinos residing in the US, given his strong anti-immigration stance?

I have heard many analysts say that, despite his rhetoric, president-elect Trump will eventually moderate his position to a more practical one. We all know about his vision, but how that will be translated into policy remains to be seen.