US Embassy ‘deeply troubled’ by Duterte’s comments but…

The US Embassy in Manila. FILE PHOTO

AMID President Duterte’s latest tongue-lashing against the United States, the US Embassy in Manila on Monday said it will continue to focus on its “broad relationship” with the Philippines that is anchored on shared values and beliefs, including in human rights and dignity.

US Embassy press attaché Molly Koscina said the Embassy was aware of Mr. Duterte’s apology to the Jewish community for his comments, bearing comparison his remorseless war on drugs with Adolf Hitler’s genocide of Jews before and during the World War II.

“We were deeply troubled by President Duterte’s comments and are aware of his apology,” said Koscina.

“We continue to focus on our broad relationship; one of the most enduring and important relationships in the Asia Pacific Region,” she added.

Over the weekend, Duterte made an apology but in the same breath, launched another tirade against the US, also threatening to stop the implementation of the Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).

“The Americans, I don’t like them…They are reprimanding me in public. So I say: Screw you, fuck you, everything else. You are stupid,” Mr. Duterte had said at the 37th Masskara Festival in Bacolod City.

“America’s partnership with the Philippines has long been based on a foundation of shared values, including our shared belief in human rights and dignity,” said Koscina.

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