MANILA: The Philippines has conferred the Legion of Honour on US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for her support for the country’s advocacy for a rules-based approach to resolving territorial claims.
On behalf of President Aquino, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario conferred on Tuesday the Legion of Honour on Clinton at the US State Department in Washington.
The Legion of Honour is the highest the president may grant to an individual without the concurrence of Congress.
The highest rank, Chief Commander, is normally conferred on heads of state or governments, and distinguished individuals in recognition of their contribution to the country.
The first American to be conferred the rank of Chief Commander was US President Franklin D Roosevelt (posthumous). Also given the same honour were President Dwight Eisenhower, General Douglas MacArthur, and Senator Daniel Inouye.
“Secretary Clinton strongly supported the Philippines’ advocacy for a rules-based approach in resolving competing claims over maritime areas through peaceful and diplomatic processes within the framework of international law. On various occasions, she spoke up for the common interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, and transit of people across the seas,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
The Philippine star
