Philippines' Duterte turns back on meddling US and pivots to Asia

RT
Thu, 27 Oct 2016 20:28 UTC

© David Mareuil / Reuters

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (L) toasts with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a banquet at Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Japan October 26, 2016

The Philippines is looking east for investment rather than traditional ally the US. Both Tokyo and Beijing are interested in investing in Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, according to Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez.

Mindanao is known for its copper, gold, iron, aluminum, as well as natural gas and oil deposits. According to WikiLeaks, the island's untapped mineral resources may be worth up to $1 trillion.

From food to minerals, "the entire gamut of resources is open to development," Dominguez said during a CNBC interview on Thursday.

His comments follow President Rodrigo Duterte's visits to Japan and China to bolster Manila's ties with its Asian neighbors and shift away from the United States.

Dominguez said an alliance with Asian countries is similar to ones like the European Union, NAFTA and Mercosur.

"Of course, there are political implications, but they will merely foster more cooperation and friendlier ties," he told the media.

"The Chinese have expressed interest but they don't have too much activity. Our previous administration barely spoke to the Chinese government while we have been in close cooperation with the Japanese for over 60 years," said the finance secretary.

"So far, Japan has been the largest ODA [official development assistance] provider to the Philippines, with $5.7 billion invested. The Chinese have offered ODA assistance of $6 billion but that's just the start...We're happy to get support from both neighbors," said Dominguez.

As of 2015, Philippines was the 39th largest economy in the world with a gross domestic product of $292 billion, only a fraction less than Singapore and more than EU members Ireland, Finland, Portugal and Greece.

From 2012 to 2015, the country's economy annually grew on average 6.47 percent based on a surge in investment and strong consumption.

Comment: A little more on Duterte's attitude towards the U.S. Given that the Philippines has been under the U.S. heel formally and informally since 1898, it's no wonder there's more than a little resentment.

RE/RFL

After arriving in Japan on Tuesday for an official visit, President Rodrigo Duterte continued his tirades against the United States, saying Americans are nothing but bullies.

"Tarantado itong mga Amerikano. The Americans really are a bully," Duterte told the Filipino community in Tokyo, where he is slated to stay for a three-day visit.

He reiterated his resentment against calls from the international community, especially the United States and European Union, for him to follow the rule of law in the country's war against illegal drugs.

But he said he wasn't afraid of threats that he could end up in jail for alleged human rights violations and crimes against humanity in his anti-narcotics campaign.

"Tatakutin pa akong ipakulong...ikaw putulan ko ng ulo (You're trying to scare me with jail time? What if I behead you?)," he said.

He added that he is not ashamed of his actions as a President.

"Sabi nila 'Duterte is not a statesman, he behaves like a hoodlum.' Tama ka. Ulol ka pala, ngayon mo lang nalaman?" he said.

(They say Duterte is not a statesman, he behaves like a hoodlum. You're right. You only realized that now?)

Duterte's statements came just a few hours after he said the US can forget about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) it signed with the Philippines under the previous administration, if he gets to stay in power long enough.

This also follows his state visit to China last week, wherein he forged several agreements with the Asian superpower.

"Mas komportable ako dito sa Japan and even China...baka mamura ko lang the other side of the world," he said on Tuesday.

[I'm more comfortable with Japan and even China...I may just end up cursing that one country on the other side of the world]