US: Philippine gov't doesn't rest on shoulders of one individual

MANILA, Philippines — The relationship between the Philippines and the United States (US) does not depend on one individual, particularly President Rodrigo Duterte, the US Department of State said.

US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that the American government is committed to its bilateral relationship with the Philippines despite Duterte's recent tirades.

There have been reports that Washington decided to cancel its planned sale of 26,000 rifles to the Philippine National Police over concerns on human rights violations. The president has called the people behind the decision not to proceed with the sale as fools and "monkeys."

"Well, because the government isn’t – doesn’t rest – especially in a democracy, it doesn’t rest on the shoulders of just one individual," Kirby said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

Kirby noted that Duterte's comments on the matter are "inexplicably at odds" with the close relationship between the American and the Filipino governments.

"Yes, he’s the head of state, but there are many agencies in his government, there are many cabinet officials, there are longstanding relationships that we have nurtured over the years with figures in his government, and those relationships are still there and they’re still vibrant," the American executive said.

The US State Department official, however, clarified that the American government is not trying to circumvent Duterte.

Kirby stressed that the US will continue the good relationships that they have with institutions in the Philippine government.

"I was simply referring to the fact that in a democratic government such as the Philippines, that tasks are delegated to various agencies and that we have relationships with these institutions and agencies. Those are solid. They remain," Kirby said.

Kirby added that the US will try to develop a good working relationship with Duterte as he is the head of state.

"We recognize he’s the duly elected leader of the Philippine Government and we respect that. And we respect the fact that as the head of state, he determines foreign policy. We totally understand," the State Department spokesperson said.

Upon taking office, Duterte said that his government will pursue an independent foreign policy.