President Trump’s invitation to President Duterte to visit the United States still stands, the country’s Embassy in Manila has confirmed. Embassy spokeswoman Molly Koscina issued the response when asked if the return of the Balangiga bells would pave the way for a presidential visit to the US. “President Trump has extended invitation to President Duterte… Full Story »
US-Philippine relations
Philippine military chief: Alliance with the USA is our biggest strength
It’s alliance with the United States remains “the biggest strength of the Philippines” the country’s military chief has said. Although the Philippines may lack the military muscle to face off with Beijing in the South China Sea — it does have are friends for backup. These were the sentiments of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who… Full Story »
Ceremony set to welcome Balangiga Bells home from America
After 117 years, the Balangiga bells will arrive in Manila next week, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has confirmed. All three will be formally handed over by the US at a ceremony to be attended by President Duterte on Tuesday, December 11. “The aircraft that will be bringing the three bells will arrive before lunch… Full Story »
Duterte: Donald Trump ‘cleaning mess’ of diplomatic ties left by Obama
President Duterte has said that Donald Trump is “cleaning the mess” of US-Philippine relations left by his predecessor in the White House. Speaking on Thursday (November 22), he said the country’s “strained” ties with the US began when President Obama criticised his crackdown on illegal drugs. “Kaya itong strained relation I will admit it —… Full Story »
Duterte: South China Sea is in Beijing’s hands, so why create friction?
President Duterte has said that China was “already in possession” of the South China Sea — and US military drills were just creating “frictions”. The president made the statement on the last day of the 33rd Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Singapore today (Thursday, November 15). The president told reporters that foreign nations… Full Story »
