Duterte will work with Trump administration; in a gathering in Malaysia, Duterte said on Trump, ‘medyo pare-pareho kami.’
After series of tirades against the United States, the Malacañang Palace assured President Rodrigo Duterte looks forward to working with the administration of Donald Trump as the next US president.
After the victory speech of Trump on Wednesday afternoon, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte “looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law.”
On Wednesday night, Manila time, Duterte addressed Trump’s victory publicly for the first time in a speech before the Filipino community in Malaysia.
Duterte is in a two-day state visit in Kuala Lumpur, starting November 9.
“Ayaw ko nga sabi ko makipag-away kasi nandiyan na si Trump. But, I would like to congratulate President Trump. Mabuhay ka!” said Duterte.
Previously, the Philippine president drawn comparisons to Trump for their off-the-cuff remarks.
In his speech in Malaysia, Duterte seemed to acknowledge this remarks.
“Pareho tayo nagmumura. Konting rason lang, mura kaagad. Medyo pare-pareho kami,” Duterte said.
However, Duterte once again hit out at the US during his speech regarding the criticisms on his campaign against illegal drugs which resulted to thousands of deaths.
“Ah ngayon napansin na nila ako,” he said.
“Bakit? Kasi ako lang ang presidente na nag-putang ina sa kanila. Ganoon.”
During the campaign days for the race for the White House, Trump had said Duterte’s tirades against the US showed “a lack of respect for our country.”
But, during his speech after the polls showed him to be the likely winner, Trump expressed willingness to work with other nations.
“We will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us. We will be. We will have great relationships. We expect to have great, great relationships. No dream is too big, no challenge is too great. Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach,” Trump said.