Duterte says China, Russia not asking for anything from PHL yet

China and Russia have not asked for anything from the Philippines in exchange for the arms they provided to the country, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on Sunday.

"I'd like to tell you now na hanggang ngayon, walang hiningi 'yang papel pati lapis ang Russia pati China," Duterte said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Vista Alegre Homes in Negros Occidental.

China last year provided the Philippines with arms and ammunition in at least two batches — P370 million worth of arms in June, and another 3,000 rifles in October.

Russia, meanwhile, gave the Philippines 5,000 Kalashnikov rifles and 20 army trucks in support of the anti-terror efforts of the government.

Duterte said he asked for assistance from both countries which were very open to assisting the Philippines.

"Both countries said no problem, we will give it to you," he said before a crowd of soldiers on Sunday, but noted that no alliance has been formed as of yet.

"I never agreed to any alliance, and ayoko rin magbili ng armas sa isang source lang. Mahirap yan because if you agree to that, your country becomes a colony of that powerful country," he added.

In March, Chinese newspaper Global Times said that loans to the Philippines could use natural resources as collateral.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno had said no islands or territories will be offered as collateral for assistance coming from China.

Just recently, China boosted its efforts to expand its territory and it has installed anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missile systems in the West Philippine Sea.

"Itong si China Sea, wala na rin akong magawa," Duterte said.

"I will not embark on something, on a war or battle, that I cannot win," he added. —Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/ALG, GMA News