Rockstar President returns home satisfied after first international trip

The rockstar is back, a little calmer and satisfied.

President Duterte returned home from his productive two-nation swing in Asia, saying he has become a “peaceful man” after his first international journey.

Upon arrival in Davao City airport early Saturday morning, the President said he deserves a “few applauses” after pushing for the country’s

interests abroad, from a peaceful settlement of the maritime dispute to an independent foreign policy.

“I am a peaceful man after ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit),” said the President who attended the regional meetings in Laos and paid a working visit to Indonesia.

“I don’t want to pick a fight with any nation. I only want to be at peace with everybody, doing business with everybody,” he added.

When he participated in the regional meetings in Laos, the President said he was able to convey his most important message – the country’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy in its relations to the world.

“The Philippines will pursue an independent foreign policy. We will observe and must insist on the timehonored principles of sovereignty, sovereign equality, non-interference, and the commitment to a peaceful settlement of disputes to best serve our people and protect the interests of our country,” the President said.

At the regional summit, the President said he pushed for stronger regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism and illegal drugs to ensure regional peace and stability. He also seized the chance to declare the Philippines is “open for business” when he met with the ASEAN business sector.

“I am happy to able to do it (ASEAN summit). I can sleep soundly tonight thinking I have served my country the best way I can,” Duterte said.

The President’s calm demeanor during his arrival from Laos was in contrast to his fiery and profanitylaced remarks when he left for his first foreign visit.

Duterte’s debut in the world stage has been marred by his conflict with US President Barack Obama on human rights concerns.

Before leaving for Laos, an angry Duterte warned Obama against confronting him over the drug killings in the country, saying the US has no right to meddle with domestic affairs. Obama responded to Duterte’s expletive-laden statement by cancelling his meeting with the Philippine leader in Laos.

Duterte later met briefly with Obama and assured that his expletives were not directed at him. He claimed his Filipino cuss word was wrongly translated by the international media.

In the summit, the President said he engaged ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners on important issues on peace, security, stability, and prosperity of the region.

Duterte said he raised the country’s concern over the developments in the South China Sea, citing its commitment to a peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

“I called on leaders to support the individual and collective efforts to bring security and stability in the South China Sea through a rules-based approach for resolving maritime disputes,” he said.

Duterte also called for stronger regional cooperation in combatting terrorism, violent extremism as well as illegal drug trade during the ASEAN summit.

“There is serious concern in the region over terrorism and violent extremism. I thanked our partners for their expressions of sympathy and solidarity over recent events in our country and I urged leaders to redouble our cooperative efforts in order to address this menace,” he said.

On the narcotics trade, Duterte told regional leaders that his anti-drug campaign will be “relentless” as well as “comprehensive, encompassing suppression, prosecution, and rehabilitation.”

“All these measures are within the bounds of our laws,” said Duterte, who has been criticized here and abroad about human right concerns related to his bloody campaign against drugs.

Duterte expressed the country’s grave concern about the “social illness that breeds corruption at the highest levels, tears apart the fabric of our society, and debases human dignity.”

“I called on greater cooperation in the region, particularly in the capacitybuilding and law enforcement efforts,” he added.

At the same Laos meeting, the President said he accepted with humility the chairmanship of ASEAN for 2017, which coincides with the commemoration of regional bloc’s 50th founding anniversary. The theme of the ASEAN summit in the Philippines next year will be “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

“It will be an important leadership role for the Philippines and a vital opportunity to contribute to the building of a strong and resilient community,” he added.

Duterte said holding the ASEAN meeting in Davao City was an option but would still depend on the security situation amid ongoing state of national emergency.

On the trade aspect, the President declared the Philippines is “open for business” when he addressed the business sector of the ASEAN. “My administration will do its part in providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and prosper, including micro, small, and medium enterprises,” he said.

On the sidelines of the summit, the President held separate bilateral talks with the leaders of Japan, Laos, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam to share his vision for partnership based on mutual trust and respect. “We identified ways to move relations forward and I thanked them for hosting the Filipino workers in their country,” he said.

Duterte said he also had a brief conversation with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who raised the issue of human rights in the country. “He did mention about human rights and I responded fairly well,” he said.

Duterte also revealed that he enjoyed “every minute” of his conversation with Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev. He said the meeting centered on economic and business relations, not on military alliances.

Also, the tough-talking President said he tried his “very best to look presentable” before the world leaders. He said he even bought a ready-made suit but found out it was too big for his size. He said he decided to buy suspenders to prevent his pants from falling.

The President likewise revealed his private meeting with United Nations Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon.

The news comes in the midst of awkward relations between President Duterte and Ban.

Duterte did not reveal in full the details of his meeting with Ban. He was able to share with the UN leader his achievements on the war on drugs.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said he has no ill feeling toward the media despite alleged erroneous reports he supposedly insulted a major western ally of the country, even challenging journalists to criticize him if he is bad at his job.

Duterte made the remarks even after casting blame on news reports on his strong comments that triggered a conflict with the United States.

“I am not at liberty to be angry at anybody. It is your sworn duty to ask questions… Wala akong galit sa inyo,” the President said in a press conference after arrival from his visits to Laos and Indonesia early Saturday morning.

“You know people commit mistakes. Some with malice, some without malice. It is just a mere shortfall of talent… but do not hesitate to attack me, criticize me if I do wrong in my job. It is your duty to your country,” he added.