Duterte: Tirades vs US only my personal views

MANILA -- "It has nothing to do with the government."

That was how President Rodrigo Duterte explained his frequent criticisms targeted at long-time ally United States (US).

In an exclusive interview with the Japanese media, Duterte explained that his rhetoric against the US is merely "personal perception" and does not reflect the government's views.

"I'm harsh with my mouth because they will not also, maybe, doing the right conduct and those are just exchanges of the mouth," the President said.

"My personal perception -- maybe not the country -- it has nothing to do with government," he added.

Despite his tirades, the President said there is nothing to worry about the Philippines' relationship with the US because "it is still there."

"The relationship, in the broad sense, between the United States and the Philippines, is still there. Nothing has changed," the President said.

Duterte said there is just a need to make a few changes because the Constitution mandates that the Philippines must pursue an independent foreign policy.

"The alliances are alive. It is there. There should be no worry about changes of alliances."

Duterte also clarified that he would open an alliance with China in terms of trade and commerce only.

"If you are afraid that we will have a Western alliance and an alliance with China, it will be an alliance of trade and commerce. It could not be a military alliance with any country," he said.

Saying earlier that he has to cut military and economic alliance with the US, Duterte said the Philippines will have to rely more on China for now (Sunnex)