BY: Genalyn D. Kabiling and Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
President Duterte is planning to deal with US President Donald Trump “in the most righteous way” when they meet to discuss regional security as well as the campaign against terrorism and drugs next month.
The President said he intends to welcome Trump as an “important leader” and listen to his views on these pressing security concerns.
“I would deal with President Trump in the most righteous way, welcome him as an important leader, as a matter of fact, the important leader on this side of the planet,” Duterte said in a press conference before leaving for Tokyo, Japan Sunday.
“I would have to also listen to him what he has to say. My responses would be calibrated of what he would ask me,” he added.
Trump is scheduled to embark on a 12-day visit across Asia starting Nov. 3 amid rising tensions over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
His last stop will be Manila for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and related meetings on Nov. 12 and 13.
Duterte said he is behaving when he meets Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during the second day of his visit to Japan.
The Chief Executive acknowledged that he would have to watch his words during his first meeting with the Japanese Emperor.
But Duterte said he will be sure to express how the Philippines is grateful to Japan.
“I suppose that I have to limit my mouth there, except maybe to bring the warm greetings of the Filipino nation, a grateful nation to Japan, as a matter of fact,” Duterte said.