On his first 100 days, Duterte dares US: ‘Go ahead, oust me’

Update

It’s the Duterte administration’s first 100 days on Friday, but the President was in no mood  to celebrate but he did not let the day end without giving  the United States yet another tongue lashing.

“Do not treat us like a doormat because you will be sorry for it,” President Duterte told the Philippines’ long-time ally Friday evening.

Duterte launched his fresh tirades against the US in a speech in Davao City as Filipino and American troops held what could be the last annual war games.

The President also told US President Barack Obama to take stock of his country’s diplomatic ties to the Philippines or risk losing its long-time ally.

Mr. Duterte mentioned Obama’s name four times in his speech as he repeated twice that this year’s annual war games would be the last because it was not part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“Assess yourselves. Because if you don’t, you will lose the Philippines,” he said.

Instead of making sweeping criticisms of the Philippines, Duterte said the US should instead ask its UN ambassador to make a complaint and investigate first.

“You can ask your ambassador to the United Nations to make a complaint. Ask them and investigate and make a report and that is the time you call my attention,” he said.

He mentioned the plans of the Central Intelligence Agency to oust him.

“You want to oust me? You want to use the CIA? Go ahead. I said I put at stake my honor, my life, and the presidency. What happens to me is really a part of my destiny. If I am ousted, then that is part of my presidency,” he said.

Throwback

The President mentioned how the Philippines suffered during the US colonization in the Philippines.
“We sacrificed for you. You stayed here. You are still doing business here. Nilunok ko na lang iyan. We suffered during the last Second World War because you were here. Had you not been here, we would not have experienced so much destruction in the country. The Battle of Manila, 200,000 Filipinos died because you were here,” he said.

Duterte also mentioned his plans to open alliances with other countries, including the two known US rivals.

“For the foreign policy now, I am opening up the Philippines. I do not want to antagonize you. But I said, try to give us a little of respect. You do not go around reprimanding a head of state as if you are talking to…putang ina,” he said.

He told the US: “I will not stick with you. I can always go to China. Invite them. I have met (Russian Prime Minister Dmitry) Medvedev during the (Asean) Summit.” With a report from DJ Yap, Philippine Daily Inquirer/ac