President Duterte is scheduled to make a congratulatory phone call to US President-elect Donald Trump.
An advisory released by Malacañang indicated that the Chief Executive will make his congratulatory phone call to Trump from Davao City at 10:30 p.m. last night.
No talking points between them have been revealed.
Duterte gave a congratulatory message to Trump shortly after his election as the 45th US president.
Speaking before members of the Filipino community in Malaysia last November 9, the Chief Executive said he no longer wants to pick a fight with the US because Trump is already there.
“Ayaw ko (na) makipag-away kasi nandiyan na si Trump,” said the President. It was the first time that Duterte publicly addressed America’s next president.
He also likened his being foul mouthed with Trump. “Pareho tayo nagmumura. Konting rason lang, mura kaagad, pare-pareho kami.”
Duterte’s relationship with the US has soured due to criticisms against his bloody war against illegal drugs. He has repeatedly lashed out at outgoing US President Barack Obama and even told him to “go to hell.”
Duterte appeared to have softened his stance against the US after Trump’s victory as he expressed optimism that Philippines’ relations with its longtime ally would improve.
According to Duterte, he has no issues with Trump as he has not meddled in human rights issues. “Wala man kaming away. I can always be a friend to anybody especially to a President, Chief Executive of another country.”
Meanwhile, Malacañang welcomed US Ambassador-designate Sung Kim who arrived in the country Thursday night.
“We welcome the new Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines and sana po mas maganda ang… pakikipag-palitan natin ng diplomasya with the US dahil Asian ang ating counterpart from the US,” said Banaag in a press briefing in Malacañang.
Kim said he looks forward to working with the Philippine government to strengthen the very important partnership of the Philippines and America.
In a speech upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Kim revealed that he has for a long time wanted to serve in the Philippines. “Now I am finally here to contribute to one of the most important special partnerships anywhere,” said Kim.
According to the Korean-born American diplomat, America’s alliance with the Philippines “is really one of the most enduring partnerships.” (Elena L. Aben and Roy C. Mabasa)