US Embassy vows to work with PHL even after Duterte’s ‘Bye America’ statement 

The United States Embassy in Manila on Monday said it will continue to work with the Philippines even after President Rodrigo Duterte threatened anew to 'say goodbye to America.' 

"As we have said, we continue to focus on our broad relationship with the Philippines, and will work together in the many areas of mutual interest to improve the livelihoods of the Philippine people and uphold our shared democratic values," Deputy Press Attaché Emma Nagy said in an email sent to GMA News. 

Upon his arrival in Davao City on late Friday night from his trips to Cambodia and Singapore, Duterte said to "prepare for the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement." 

This statement followed after US aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation decided to defer Philippines' selection for a second grant amounting to over $400 million. 

"So everything is…we are, we are glad that we are freed from proving anything to the United States. We do not need the money. China said they will provide so many…and we will give you the money. So, ba-bye America and work on the protocols that would eventually move you out from the Philippines," the President said.  — Trisha Macas/RSJ, GMA News