MANILA (Updated) -- President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Wednesday Republican Donald Trump shortly after the latter was declared winner in the 2016 presidential elections in the United States (US).
Speaking before the Filipino community in Malaysia, Duterte said that he does not want to sow a rift with the US, especially after Trump won the presidential race over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
"I do not want to fight [with the US] because Trump now takes over. But I want to congratulate President Trump," the President said.
Duterte likened himself to Trump, citing their similarities, particularly on the way they both use profanity-laced statements in their speeches.
The 71-year-year old chief executive admitted that he had to muse over half an hour on what his speech should consist, before heading to Mandarin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
"I was kind of thinking along the way -- perhaps about 30 minutes from the airport -- what would I tell you because I'm just been four months and there's been a lot of controversies, including my quarrel with America. I don't want to have enemy," Duterte said.
"They told me, since Trump won, 'Why don't you just shut up?'" he added.
Duterte has repeatedly hit the US under the watch of Trump's predecessor, outgoing President Barack Obama, after getting insulted over the supposed interference of the US in his drug war.
He has even warned that he might split ties with the US and just open alliances to other countries like China and Russia.
But despite his pronouncements, Duterte has maintained that he has no intention to end the Philippines' relationship with US, its long-time ally.
Earlier in the day, the Office of Communications Secretary Martin released a statement, affirming Duterte's optimism to have an "enhanced Philippines-US relations."
"President Duterte wishes President-elect Trump success in the next four years as Chief Executive and commander-in chief of the US military, and looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law,” Andanar said.
Trump has defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the US election and will serve as the US' 45th president. (Sunnex)
