(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, Aug. 23, said three members of the US Cabinet have written him to offer the country military equipment.
Duterte said US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Defense Secretary James Mattis all signed the letter, the contents of which President Duterte shared with the audience during celebrations of the 12th Anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
The letter was also reportedly signed by US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim.
“Dear Mr. President, the US-Philippine Alliance is an enduring partnership built with shared history and values. This special relationship will only grow stronger by increasing our dialogue and cooperation especially on security and trade. At the same time, we keenly understand your country’s need…when considering the …technology for the defense and security of the Filipino people. We are writing you to reaffirm this administration’s strongest support for your efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Duterte read.
According to Duterte, based on the letter, among those being offered by the US were Lockheed Martin F-16s and attack helicopters.
“The United States is peerless, walang katumbas, supplier of state-of-the-art technology with a proven track record and a long-term reliable partner,” Duterte said, reading the contents of the letter and translating the word “peerless” mid-sentence.
“We hope you share our view that your nation’s selection of US partners for these future defense procurement is mutually advantageous and strategically important to strengthen and deepen the steadfast bond between us,” the letter read by Duterte added.
It was unclear when the letter was sent to the President, but Duterte revealed its contents after several Filipino officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana went to Russia and discussed about the possibility of securing submarines from Moscow.
Lorenzana said the Philippines was also eyeing South Korea as a “candidate.”
US Assistant Defense Secretary Randall Schriver had warned the Philippines against the move in his recent trip to the Asian country, saying the US was a “better partner.”
This did not suit well with President Duterte, who slammed Schriver in a public speech.
No need
President Duterte appeared to be cool to the idea proposed by the US officials, noting the attacks of high-ranking US officials against him.
“First was the (extrajudicial killings), human rights, and kung ano ano kap***h*n. Initially pinahiya nila. And even (former US) President (Barack) Obama, in just a press briefing criticized our country and me, and insulted me before the public community,” he said.
On another note, he said what he needed were “propeller-driven planes to fight the insurgents.”
“If they are thinking we are going to buy Lockheed Martin (planes), how many F-16s can I buy? Three? For what? Against China? Malaysia? Wala naman tayong away,” he said.