PRRD considers purchase of military arsenal from US

The Philippines may purchase weapons and other military hardware from the United States in case it needs a particular type of arsenal, President Duterte said over the weekend.

The President decided to reconsider the United States as one of the country's arms suppliers after affirming that he respects US President Donald Trump and the country's alliance with its Western ally.

"Well, America has been helpful. In the purchase of arms, we have had a bad experience but they have a new policy now. We’re going to reconsider," he said during his appearance at the "Give Us This Day” television program of his friend evangelist Apollo Quiboloy last Saturday.

"We'll buy if we think we need that kind of particular (equipment),” Duterte added.

In January, the President announced he would no longer buy weapons from the United States over its threats to impose sanctions against any country trading arms with Russia and China. He said the government was inclined to buy

weapons from other countries such as Israel and South Korea.

In the television interview last Saturday, the President explained that the country sought "cheaper and better arms" after a botched rifle deal with the United States.

He recalled that Russia and China offered assistance to the country when the terror siege in Marawi City occurred in 2017. He added that the country honored the contracts with these nations despite a US threat to impose sanctions.

"I'd like to say to the Americans and to the officials sa... in Washington, when you deprived us of the arms, we started going around scouting for cheaper and better arms. And there were contracts already, memorandum of intent... intent to buy something like that so we will not impair that obligation," he said.

"Because Trump has just issued a... that you are prohibited to buy. I'm sorry but ganito 'yan eh. When we needed, in the hour of our need, we needed the arms, Russia and China gave it to us

practically free. Then, you know I'm a Filipino. You have to have a sense of gratitude. At least honor the contract. Nothing else," he added.

The President said the Philippines would keep its traditional ties with the United States and won't do anything that will hamper such alliance.

"I’m just saying it because I like Trump and I would like to assure America that we will not do anything to hinder, hamper, or whatever. We will go along with our alliances," Duterte said.

"I do not have a problem with Trump, that much I respect him," he added.