Duterte: PH still ‘the best of friends’ with US

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday that the Philippines remains to be a best friend of the United States.

Duterte made the statement a day before he would meet US President Donald Trump at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in Vietnam.

“We remain to be the best of friends with America,” he said in a speech at the 67th “birthday” of the Philippine Marine Corps in Taguig City.

“Most of you… or some of you went schooling in America and I do not blame you if your sentiments are really remained with the power who helped us for the longest time,” he added.

Duterte’s relations with the US had turned sour after he accused the country’s longtime ally of meddling in domestic affairs particularly his war on drugs.

Duterte and Trump will also meet during the 31st Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) Summit in Manila next week. /je