Tag: President Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte: “Cohesive” relations among all ASEAN member-states sought

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte said the dream of all Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders was for their country to have a “cohesive partnership” with all member-states of the bloc. “If the (European Union) can do it, why can’t we?” Duterte said when asked what would happen after the Philippines relinquishes chairmanship of ASEAN to Singapore at the end of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from November 10 to 14. He […]

Duterte: HUDCC chair to oversee housing concerns in Marawi

(Eagle News) — The chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council will oversee the housing concerns of  Marawi residents who are rearing to return to the city in southern Mindanao. President Rodrigo Duterte himself made the announcement during a press briefing upon his arrival from his two-day visit to Japan on Tuesday night. “I hate committee, committee. From the table of the Defense Secretary (Delfin Lorenzana), it goes to one person, (Retired) General […]

Duterte expresses support for Davao gov’t peace talks with Communist rebels

Says New People’s Army “soldiers” who will surrender to the gov’t will receive houses, jobs (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte expressed support for the peace talks with Communists launched by her daughter Sara Duterte in Davao, even if talks between the national government and the rebels were already terminated months ago. “Yes,” Duterte told reporters when asked if he supported the Davao mayor’s initiative, upon his arrival in the country from his 2-day visit […]

Duterte: China has committed to not building anything near Pag-asa, Scarborough

(Eagle News) — China has “committed” to not building anything near Pagasa and Scarborough, where the Philippines has claims. This is according to President Rodrigo Duterte himself, who spoke to reporters upon his arrival from his 2-day visit to Japan on Tuesday night. “I hope they would honor that commitment to us. I hope and pray,” the President said. He said in his case, once he commits to anyone, “as a president of a sovereign […]

Duterte arrives in PHL from “most productive, engaging” 2-day visit to Japan

Inks defense, business agreements; secures pledge for Build, Build, Build program (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in the country on Tuesday night, after what he described as a “most productive and engaging” two-day visit to Japan. According to the President, he discussed with his “good friend” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “concrete, time-bound and specific ways to further intensifying bilateral cooperation.” He said on top of both leaders’ agenda was “vital support for the […]

President Duterte shares light moment with attendees of dinner hosted by Japan’s Prime Minister Abe

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte made dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe  a rather informal event, as he cracked jokes, and made attendees laugh several times. The audience first erupted in laughter when Duterte showed surprise after a female voice was suddenly heard right after he read the first few paragraphs of his prepared speech. It turns out the woman was supposed to translate into Japanese what President Duterte was saying. “Oh, sorry,” […]

Duterte thanks Abe for commitment to “giv(ing) flesh” to Japan’s $9-billion pledge of assistance to PHL

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday thanked Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for expressing his commitment to “giv(ing) flesh” to Japan’s one trillion yen pledge of assistance to the Philippines. “Apart from its involvement in the peace process, Japan is already on the ground as we proceed with reconstructing Marawi and rebuilding the lives of those affected,” President Duterte said in a joint statement. He added “there will be some of the most […]

President Duterte to meet Japanese Emperor Akihito in Japan

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte is set to meet with Japanese Emperor Akihito in his three-day working visit to Japan. “It’s a kind of a homage to see the emperor before he abdicates,” Duterte told reporters prior to his departure to Tokyo. According to the President, he would “bring the warm greetings of the Filipino nation, a grateful nation to Japan.” “I suppose that I have to limit my mouth there..,” Duterte said. Duterte […]

Duterte says “it would be good” for countries to “reach out” to North Korea’s Kim, assure him “nobody is after (him)”

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said several countries could “reach out” to North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and assure him that “nobody was after (him).” In a press conference in Davao prior to his departure for his three-day working visit in Japan, President Duterte said in particular, “it would be good if America, Japan, (South) Korea and Mr. Kim Jong Un talk to convince him to sit down on a roundtable. He […]

UPDATED: Harry Roque to assume presidential spokesperson post on Nov. 6

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has designated Kabayan Partylist Rep. Harry Roque as presidential spokesperson. Roque himself confirmed in a dzmm radio interview early Saturday that he had accepted the offer, but that he would assume the post on Nov. 6.  “Ako po ay manunungkulan pagka-landing po namin sa Japan dahil kasama po ako sa delegasyon ni Presidente papuntang Japan,” Roque said. The President is slated to be on a 3-day working visit to […]

Executive Secretary Medialdea appointed gov’t caretaker during President Duterte’s 3-day visit to Japan

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as caretaker of the government while he is on a three-day working visit to Japan. President Duterte, through special order No. 977, said Medialdea shall “act as (officer in charge)  to take care of the day-to-day operations in the Office of the President,” and “oversee the general administration of the executive department” from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31. “He shall, if necessary, act […]

JUST IN: President Duterte designates newly retired AFP Chief Año as DILG undersecretary

(Eagle News) — A day after his official retirement as Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Lt. General Eduardo Año was appointed Department of the Interior and Local Government undersecretary. President Rodrigo Duterte himself made the appointment in an Oct. 26 memorandum sent to the DILG. Earlier, Duterte said Año, who retired after reaching the mandatory age of retirement for military officers, could serve as special assistant to the president or DILG undersecretary, whichever was […]