Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday congratulated US President George W. Bush after his successful reelection bid over Democratic challenger John Kerry.

"I congratulate President Bush for his victory and Senator John Kerry for a fight well fought," Arroyo said in a statement read by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye.

"I do this on behalf of 80 million Filipino people, eight million of whom are working overseas including two and half million Filipino-Americans," she said.

She added that the Philippines will continue to back the United States in "defending the rampart of freedom, collective security and the rule of law everywhere."

Bunye said Arroyo will extend her congratulations during a formal visit of US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone to the presidential palace later Thursday.

He added that a recent increase in US crude prices following Bush victory is expected.

"For us, we will continue to monitor (the poll's) effect on not just oil (prices) but our own long-term relationship (with the United States)," he said.

He said the administration looks forward to continued US support for the country's peace efforts in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

Oil prices reportedly surged more than one US dollars as crude dealers said Bush's victory over Kerry could bolster US fuel demand and underscore anxiety over the security of Middle East oil shipments.