Duterte's letter to US, EU, UN already drafted
- by Leah Brady
- in Worldwide
- — Oct 18, 2016
Policemen on motorcycles patrol around a slum area during a police operation as part of the continuing "War on Drugs" campaign of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila, Philippines on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016.
Duterte has cursed the US and President Barack Obama directly in the past, along with other Western governments, for their critiques of his deadly drug war but had not officially chartered a change in policy for the relationship.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila didn't immediately respond to questions Friday.
The tough-talking leader, apparently incensed by repeated claims that his harsh words against US leaders and the European Union would affect the flow of global aid to the Philippines, reportedly invited his allies to withdraw aid if they wanted to.
Duterte has previously declared his intentions to bolster relations with China and Russian Federation, but this time the Philippines will be mindful of the lessons they had learnt from being close to Washington, he said.
Duterte on Friday said he did not care much for ratings or polls and was just doing his job. Eventually, in my time I would break up with America.
Lorenzana said the Philippines armed forces could cope without aid from the USA, a major military ally.
"This is an alliance that is robust and that benefits both of our countries", Earnest said.
"Worse is that our only ally could not give us the assurance that in taking a hard line toward the enforcement of our sovereignty rights under worldwide law, it will promptly come to our defense under our existing military treaty and agreements".
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The team had also inspected the Cauvery basin in Karnataka and will be submitting its report to the Supreme Court on Monday. Leader of opposition in the Assembly and DMK Treasurer, MK Stalin was among those who participated in the protests.
The Philippines' president has had an uneasy relationship with US President Barack Obama due to his anti-drug campaign that has left more than 3,000 alleged drug dealers or addicts dead during the past three months. "The use of that kind of tactic is entirely inconsistent with universal human rights and the shared values of our two countries".
Lorenzana reiterated that the Philippines will not abrogate its treaty with the United States, saying that Duterte only wants to chart an foreign policy that is not dependent to one country.
The U.S. has expressed concern over the extrajudicial killings and urged Duterte's government to ensure law enforcement efforts comply with human rights obligations.
Angered by USA criticism, Duterte has made a series of public pronouncements that he could scale back the activities and presence of visiting US troops in the country. We will not beg for it.
Mr Duterte, who began his six-year term on June 30, appears to be changing course, seeking co-operation and dialogue with China.
Lorenzana has said weapons will be purchased from Russian Federation and China in the future. There has been no known official declaration by the US or European Union of a threat to withdraw assistance from the Philippines.
His defense minister said Friday the Philippines has suspended joint naval patrols with the United States in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Asked to comment on the possibility that the current joint maneuvers will be the last, Major Roger Hollenbeck, a USA military spokesman for the drills, gave a fatalistic response: "If it's the last, so be it".
"It is only China helping us". "We will never allow China or any other nation to bully us or deal with Philippine interests under another carrot and stick policy", he said.