Duterte wants to stop quarrelling with US

Following Donald Trump's election win, Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte says he does not wish to continue quarrelling with the US.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte says he does not wish to continue quarrelling with the US. (AAP)





The Philippine leader, who has been described as "Trump of the East" in the last few months, congratulated the US president-elect and highlighted the similarities between Trump and himself.

"I would like to congratulate Mr Donald Trump ... we both curse. Even with trivial matters we curse," said Duterte during a two-day official visit to Malaysia.

The traditionally friendly US-Philippine relations have been strained after Duterte took office on June 30 for a six-year term.

The strain is attributed to Duterte's national war against drugs that has claimed 4,726 lives so far, including 1,725, who were killed in police operations and the rest by vigilante groups.

The US, European Union and the United Nations, among others, have alleged and denounced human rights violations under this campaign.

Duterte, known for being outspoken, counter-accused the Barack Obama-led American administration of hypocrisy while also threatening a Philippine exit from the UN.


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Published 10 November 2016 5:42pm
Source: AAP


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