(Eagle News)– President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday (September 26) revealed that he had already sought help from Russia following his relationship issues with United States (US).
“I’m about to cross the Rubicon between me and the United States. At least for the next six years. I would need your help,” the President said citing his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Mevdevev at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
The relationship between Philippines and the US has been chafed when Duterte launched back-to-back tirades as an answer to criticisms about the rising death toll of his administration’s drug war not only by US, but also United Nations and European Union.
He also expressed his desire to get rid of US Special Forces in Mindanao and cease joint patrols with US in West Philippine Sea.
Duterte expressed openness to investments from China and Russia, and raised the probability of buying arms from the two countries.
Duterte noted that US needed to get the Congress’ approval before its President can declare war to help an ally.
“That’s the problem. If the Congress won’t give him authority, what will happen to us?,” he pointed out.
“I am not really going to break ties but we are opening alliances with China,” he added, citing that a Chinese warplane could reach Manila in just seven minutes.
