INTRODUCTION
Mr. President, we are proud to be the bearer in Asia of political values we share with you.

What we in the Philippines have set out to do goes against the conventional wisdom in the developing countries.

The prevalent view is that democracy and economic growth cannot go together — because unrestrained democracy generates disorderly politics harmful to economic growth.

But if democracy is a handicap to development, then it is a handicap we in the Philippines accept gladly.

We recognize the power of self-interest in generating economic growth. But, like you, we believe self-interest must be guided by a sense of community.

We seek economic growth not merely because it enables human beings to accumulate material goods. We recognize economic growth as important because it allows greater human freedom.

Mr. President, there is a great reservoir of admiration for Germany in my country for your technology; your economic strength, and the way you have softened individual enterprise with communitarian social values.

May I take this occasion, your excellency, to invite you to visit our country — at your earliest convenience — so that we can return your gracious hospitality and a chance for our people to express their regard for your great country.
PROPOSAL FOR A TOAST
In this comradely spirit, I ask you, ladies and gentlemen, to join me in a toast to the health and well-being of His Excellency President Roman Herzog and of Frau Herzog; to the prosperity and happiness of the united German people, and to the friendship between our two countries.

Mabuhay! Langes leben!