Duterte: I can get along with Trump

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is optimistic that he can get along well with United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump in a statement that may lead to the improvement of the ties between Manila and Washington. 

 

The relationship between the Philippines and the US has plunged into uncertainty since Duterte assumed office last July. American officials have called out Duterte for the spate of killings linked to his campaign against illegal drugs, a move that he regarded as an interference with the Philippines’ affairs.  

 

Duterte in particular, assailed US President Barack Obama for supposedly embarrassing him before the international community. 

 

The tough-talking Philippine leader, however, sounded differently when asked to comment about the election of Trump. 

 

“Congratulations. It was a well-deserved victory. You (Trump) are the chosen leader of the most powerful country,” Duterte said 

 

When asked if he thinks the ties between the Philippines and the US may improve under Trump and whether he can get along with the next American president, Duterte replied: “Oh I’m sure. We do not have any quarrel.”  

 

“I can always be a friend of anybody especially presidents, chief executive of another country. He does not call me out over my campaign about human rights,” he added. 

 

Duterte had said that he does not want to pick a fight with the next US president, who, like the Philippine leader, is known for his tough talk.

 

Duterte is hopeful that Trump would be fair with regard to the Filipino illegal immigrants in the US. 

 

“I trust in his judgment and that he would be fair on the matter of the placement of illegal immigrants,” he said. 

 

“I cannot talk for the illegals. Whether president Trump or anybody else. For that matter, an illegal will always be an illegal. He is subject for deportation anytime.”