Duterte: US reaching out after Philippines terminated VFA

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said the United States has reached out to him following his decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement.

Speaking before newly appointed government officials in Malacañang, Duterte said he met with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, who will soon serve as Washington’s top diplomat to Indonesia.

“We’re talking about US-Philippines relationship,” Duterte  said.

“Sinabi ko kay ambassador, itong ruckus na dumating, it came to a fore 'yung alitan ko sa kanila. Tinanggal ko 'yung VFA, sila naman ang lapit nang lapit.”

Earlier, US Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez  said he and Kim were trying to find ways to craft another deal similar to the VFA, which governs the conduct of visiting US personnel holding military exercises in the Philippines.

But the Palace said Duterte’s position on the termination of the VFA remained unchanged.

Duterte had sought the termination of the VFA after the US canceled the visa of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, his close ally, reportedly over the former national police chief’s involvement in the deadly war on drugs.

The President also took exception to the US’ alleged interference in the country’s domestic affairs, including the drug war and the imprisonment of his staunch critic Senator Leila De Lima.

“Ulitin ko. How could it be wrong, when it can be wrong kung magsabi ako ‘Do not destroy my country because I will kill you.’ Who can debate with that?” Duterte said.

“Extrajudicial killing? Wala akong pakialam diyan. You can bring all the charges you want. I will stick to my guns. I will kill anybody that will tend to destroy my country.”

The Palace said drug-related deaths were consequences of police operations when the suspects violently resisted arrest that endanger the lives of the law enforcers who act on self-defense, which is sanctioned by law. —NB, GMA News