Duterte invited anew to visit US

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, who is likened to United States (US) President Donald Trump, is once again invited to visit Washington, Malacañang said on Friday, March 1.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saw similarities between Trump and Duterte.

Pompeo, who paid a courtesy call on Duterte on Thursday, February 28, told the Chief Executive about his same "style" and "controversial" acts with Tr ump.

"He (Pompeo) is very fond of the President. I remember when the President was talking about what he is doing for the country, pati 'yung mga controversial na galaw niya, pati 'yung cursing niya (including his controversial acts and cursing), the Secretary of State said, 'You're just like our President,'" Panelo told Palace reporters.

"The style of the President, prangka, walang sinisino, na kahit sino pwedeng labanan

(The style of the President is frank, not favoring anybody, and fighting anyone). 'Di ba ganoon si Mr. Trump (Mr. Trump is like that), against all flags," he added.

Pompeo arrived on Thursday, February 28, for a two-day visit to the country.

The US official had the chance to hold a meeting with Duterte upon his arrival at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday night, February 26.

Panelo said Pompeo extended Trump's renewed invitation to Duterte to visit the US but there was no "definite acceptance" from the Philippine President.

"Wala siyang sinabi. Kasi the problem with the President is he cannot stand the temperature in the US. Napakalamig eh. Mahihirapan siya at saka masyadong malayo. 'Yung mga long haul, ayaw niya eh," he said.

(He did not say anything. The problem with the President is he cannot stand the temperature in the US. It's very cold them. It will be difficult for him. And it's too far. He doesn't want a long haul.)

But during Duterte's meeting with Pompeo, the Chief Executive emphasized prospects of "stronger and more meaningful" relations with the US," Panelo noted.

Reaffirming the strength of Philippines-US alliance, Duterte also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries in countering terrorism and violent extremism.

"The President highlighted prospects of stronger and more meaningful ties with the United States, particularly on defense and security, peace and order, regional stability, as well as the rule of law in the conduct of activities in the West Philippine Sea to prevent escalation of tensions among countries involved," the Palace official said.

Panelo said Pompeo likewise reaffirmed the US's commitment to strengthen cooperation and deepen engagement with the Philippines on matters of mutual interest and common concern at the regional and global arena, including the rule of law and need for a rulesbased regime in the West Philippine Sea.

"The US Secretary of State also assured the Philippines of the nation's support," he said. (SunStar Philippines)