President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday slammed the United States for warning the Philippines from buying military equipment and submarines coming from Russia.
“We have been warned not to buy submarines from Russia kaya ang sagot ko sa kanila ganito: You meet me in a forum and I will invite everybody interested.” Duterte said during the Hugpong ng Pagbabago convention in Davao City.
“You state your case why you are against my country acquiring submarines. Give me the reason why and make it public. You want us to remain backwards?” he added.
The President made the statement after US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver said acquiring submarines and other military equipment from Russia is unhealthy for the country’s military alliance with the US.
Duterte questioned US for stopping the Philippines but is fine with other countries buying from Russia.
“Think about it? Why did you not stop other countries [in] Asia? Bakit kami pinipigilan ninyo? Who are you to warn us? Magbigay kayo ng submarino, mag implode ‘yun.” Duterte said.
“What’s the problem about acquiring submarines? We are not using [it] against you, neither can we use it against China nor anybody else because we are under armed,” he added.
The Philippines has been searching for submarines and other military equipment from other countries to boost defense and security as part of the third horizon of the military modernization program.
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SOURCE: NEWS 5, YOUTUBE
I said: Big brother please give us a break. You are still our ally but put your hands off from the present administration's policies and programs.
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