‘Won’t Sever Ties With US’: Philippines Prez Continues Flip-Flop

The White House said that Duterte has made too many troubling statements recently.

Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte and US President Barack Obama (Photo: The Quint)

Just a day after announcing “separation” from Washington, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has now said that he will not sever ties with the United States (US).

Earlier in the day, the country’s Trade Minister Ramon Lopez said Philippines will maintain its trade and economic ties with US.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made too many troubling statements recently that lend uncertainty over its ties with the United States and are at odds with their alliance, the White House said on Thursday.

Also Read: Lopez Clarifies Duterte’s Comments, Philippines-US Trade to Stay

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters at a daily press briefing:

We’ve seen too many troubling public statements from President Duterte over the last several months. And the frequency of that rhetoric has added an element of unnecessary uncertainty into our relationship that doesn’t advance the interests of either country.

Duterte made his “separation” comments in Beijing, where he was visiting with at least 200 business people to pave the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance as relations with longtime ally Washington deteriorate.

“In this venue, your honours, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States,” Duterte told Chinese and Philippine business people to applause at a forum in the Great Hall of the People attended by Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

(With inputs from Reuters)