The Chinese community in the Philippines hopes Sino-Philippine relations can improve following the victory of outspoken former Manila mayor Rodrigo Duterte. No matter what kind of disputes take place between the governments, community leaders say the Chinese community here has always had fond feelings toward both countries.

"The view on relationships has always been on the positive side. Our relationships with China are mostly with the people," said Meah Ang See, director of the Bahay Tsinoy Museum. The museum was established within the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center building in Manila and documents the history, livelihood and contributions of the Chinese in the Philippines. It has become a symbol of friendship between the two countries, attracting officials, scholars and tourists.

"For example, there are a number of Tsinoy businessmen who have opened factories in China. The biggest is Carlos Chan of Oishi," said Meah.

The word "Tsinoy" is a local colloquial term meaning "Chinese-Filipino." The Chinese community in the Philippine has also strived to improve relations. Many think the disputes are purely a political matter between governments.

More tourists and business people came to the Philippines before disputes became more heated, the media reported.

A Chinese-Filipino woman, who preferred to remain anonymous and runs a pharmacy in Chinatown, downtown Manila, said she's been in the Philippines for more than 20 years and she's made it her home now.

She wants the relationship between China and the Philippines to keep improving, she said, adding that it's a wish shared by many in the Chinese community here, because they have family, friends and businesses in both countries

"When politicians ask me, I tell them I'm a person with a mother and a wife, I cannot choose between them," said Wilson Lee Flores, a columnist in Manila and a well-known figure in the Chinese ­community.

The main thing for the Chinese community is that they have an opportunity to be the bridge of understanding, he said.

With the new presidency, many are hoping to get more accomplished in terms of improving relationship. Flores said he hopes to encourage more tourists to come.