Philippines-US Ties Remain Strong — Goldberg
United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg have stated that the Philippines-US ties remain strong despite the continued problems and tirades being thrown by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a report by PhilStar, Goldberg explained that the said relationship of the US and the Philippines and its people that are still running for over 70 years now. According to him, the commitment of the US is unfaced.
“The fundamentals of bilateral cooperation with the Philippines and our relationship with the Filipino people remain strong. Our history of cooperation spans 70 years, and our commitment to this country remains unchanged,” Goldberg said as quoted in the report.
During the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines wherein he delivered his final address, he said that the country is a United States’ “key strategic partner”. He also added that the US is also relying on “strong ties developed through our common endeavors as well as building effective relationships with new partners to ensure productive future cooperation.”
Goldberg added that the US will not “soften” on issues on the criticism of human rights abus3s and illegal drugs, noting the Philippines about these concerns.
It has been added that this is just part of a “healthy bilateral relationship”.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella even clarified that the country is not really “cooling off” with the US and have said that the Philippines is just going for an “open relationship” status as to widen options.
In earlier reports, Duterte has been criticized for the alleged extra-judicial kil1ings regarding his ‘war on drugs’ as to end the illegal drugs crisis in the Philippines.
The report added that there are already more than 3,000 lives taken as a result of the operations, wherein more than half of the total number came from alleged vigilante style of justice.