The US administration scrapped a major deal with the Philippines on the grounds of Human Rights. They criticized Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for the extrajudicial killings in his move against drugs as a mayor, which they felt delivered a wrong message. On Saturday in reaction to this, Mr. Duterte bid adieu to the US and said America should prepare for a repeal of agreement on deployment of troops and equipment for military exercise. He also said that American money could always be replaced.
Duterte stressed the relation between two countries could improve many folds under President-elect Trump. The US’s decision to scrap a major aid package over human rights concerns did not sit well with the president of Philippines. He said, “Bye, bye America and we won’t work on the protocols that will eventually move you out of the Philippines.” He also added that he would put his decision on papers by reviewing another military deal, i.e. Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.
The US State department spokesperson Justin Higgins said officials have been notified about these statements but the US has “not received any official requests from Philippine officials to alter any of our many issues of bilateral cooperation.” This outburst came after a US poverty reduction agency, Millenium Challenge Corporation, deferred vote on the selection of Manila for development as they were concerned about Human Rights issues.
He vented his anger out by saying, “We do not need the money. China said they will provide so many,” he also added “The politics here in Southeast Asia is changing.” He also said that they welcome US’s decision to be stricken out of the deal by Millenium Challenge Corporation to provide funding. Referring to a 1998 agreement that allows American forces to visit the Philippines for joint combat exercise, Duterte said that, they can survive without American funds. Duterte also said US should prepare to leave the Philippines and also for the eventual cancellation of the Visiting Forces Agreement.
