Duterte calls out US: ‘No joint expeditions during my time’

FILE (PNA Photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday told the United States that the Philippines will no longer participate in its wars and expeditions, “at least during my time”.

Duterte made this remark during the 39th commencement exercises for Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Maragtas” Class of 2018 in Silang, Cavite.

“I’m addressing America right now, whatever expeditions that you will conduct, any wars that you will fight in any other countries, count us out,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the Philippines did not get anything from “all these years of sacrifice except brutality and agony” from the US.

“We will stand on our own though we have no money,” the Chief Executive said, adding in jest that he will just order the printing of money and give five sacks to each Filipino.

“We will never beg for any help. Sometimes it would mean really the dignity of the people,” he added.

The President said Filipinos have been enslaved by two countries in succession – the Spaniards, for 400 years, and the Americans for 50 years.

“That’s enough. You have had your fill, do not ask for more,” Duterte said.

He said the US stole the Philippines’ natural resources and the oils of the Arab countries.

“If that’s the case, unless we are threatened directly, there will be no more joint expeditions, at least during my time. You all have to wait until I’m gone,” Duterte said.

It was not the first time that Duterte hurled these kinds of remarks against the Philippines’ longtime ally for its “interference” in the country’s domestic affairs.

In 2016, Duterte had repeatedly slammed former US President Barack Obama for interfering in such government campaign as the war on drugs.

Duterte had even threatened to terminate the Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Despite criticisms from international and local human groups, Duterte promised to continue his war on drugs and vowed to kill those who will destroy the country.

“Do not mess up with drugs because I will really kill you,” he said.

Duterte criticized several human rights groups for drumming up the number of drug suspects killed by law enforcers but not that of policemen killed in action.