Duterte: AFP, PNP say Philippines can do without US military aid

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he received assurances from the military and police that the Philippines could boost its defense capabilities without the assistance of the United States.

Speaking before artists in Malacañang, Duterte said it was important to live up to the country’s status as an independent republic.

“Sila maraming mga sophisticated intelligence, gadgets. Tayo wala, mano-mano lang ito. But we are doing it. And the military and police said, ‘Sir, kaya natin,’” Duterte said.

“Kasi ‘pag hindi natin kaya, we have no business being a Republic. You might as well choose. We can be a territory of the Americans or we can be a province of China. Kung hindi natin kaya, ganun lang.”

Recently, Duterte directed the abrogation of the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, a move that some senators planned to question before the Supreme Court over constitutional issues.

Duterte during his term set aside an arbitration ruling which upheld the Philippines' claims in the South China Sea over those of China, opting to befriend the Asian power instead of risking war with it.

Duterte’s decision to end the VFA, which governs the conduct of visiting US personnel holding military exercises in the Philippines, stemmed from the US’ alleged interference in domestic affairs, particularly on opposition Senator Leila De Lima’s drug-related case.

He also protested the cancellation of the visa of his close ally Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who once oversaw the war on drugs as national police chief.

In his speech, Duterte said he would not allow criminals “to rule the streets.”

“Why would I allow the criminals to take charge of the mobility of the people at night or day na hindi sila makapasyal sa sarili nilang bayan?” he said.

“You might call me brutal. Alam mo naman kung hindi ako naging abogado, hindi ako naging Presidente, baka gun-for-hire rin ako, lalaban sa mga droga.” —NB, GMA News