Duterte opts to keep quiet on PH-Kuwait issue

President Rodrigo Duterte FILE PHOTO / AP

Known for using vulgar words in his attacks, President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would no longer quarrel with Kuwait following the dispute over Filipino workers in the Gulf State.

In his Labor Day speech in Cebu City, President Duterte said he would now prefer to shut his mouth as talks between Manila and Kuwait are ongoing.

“Di na ako aatake kasi may talks going on,” he said in front of the thousands of job applicants and local officials gathered inside the IEC Pavilion in Cebu City.

The Philippines and Kuwait were involved in a diplomatic row over the recent rescue of abused Filipino maids by Philippine Embassy staff in Kuwait.

The rescue had angered the Kuwait and ordered Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa to leave the country. Kuwait also recalled its ambassador in Manila.

READ: Kuwait gives PH envoy one week to leave amid dispute

The President said he would have a “soft landing” approach, citing that many interests were at stake.

“Di na ako [I will no longer pick up a fight] so soft landing na ako. Di na ako makapagdaldal because so much is at stake,” he said.

He said he would be willing to pay for the air fare of OFWs who want to return to the Philippines.

“Ang gusto umalis doon umuwi na sila dito maghahanap ako ng pera libre na ‘yan,” he said.

He assured the OFWs and their families to pay their debts to their employers and agencies.

“Pasensya na sa asawa nila (uuwing OFWs),  babayaran ko utang nila but let them come home,” he said. /jpv