Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has laid out in his speech the Philippine perspectives on other nations’ policies in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders at the Valdai Forum. As the first ever Filipino chief executive invited to the prestigious gathering, Pres. Durerte stressed that the Philippines seeks what other nations desire – fairness, equality, and mutual respect. He pointed out how the international community creates rules for almost everyone but some refuse to be bound by them. He was blunt about human rights protection being empowered without regard to the actual adverse consequences to people they seek to protect. Criticisms have been hurled against the Philippine government about perceived excesses in its fight against illegal drugs without trying to understand what is happening in the country. He, moreover, elucidated that the United Nations ought to address international predicaments. He clarified that he is not against the United States, given its deep ties and shared history with the Filipino people. He intends to strengthen relations with Latin America, Africa and Central Asia for the remaining years of his term.
