US Pres. Barack Obama congratulates presumptive Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
US President Barack Obama congratulated presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte through a phone call over his landslide victory in the recently conducted local and national elections last May 9, 2016.
In a statement released by the official residence of the President of the United States, Obama “highlighted the enduring values that underpin our thriving alliance with the Philippines… including our shared commitments to democracy, human rights, rule of law, and inclusive economic growth.”
“The two leaders affirmed their interest in seeing the relationship continue to grow on the basis of these shared principles,” White House said.
The outgoing Davao City Mayor has been accused by rights groups for numerous controversies in his home city which he led for 21 years.
Earlier, he announced that he is going to revive capital punishment for especially those who have committed heinous case.
United States is one of the powerful allied countries of the Philippines. However, he said in a press interview that he might cut ties with the Western ruler but he later taken down his statement.
Duterte admitted that he was prodded to disclose such statement after US ambassador to Manila criticized him for controversial remark over 1989 incident which involved an Australian missionary.
Meanwhile, Duterte said that he wanted friendly ties with China and he was open to direct talks over territorial dispute.
Duterte will assume presidency from Benigno Aquino on June 30, 2016.
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Photo Credit: Inquirer.net