Philippines' Duterte sends 'warm congratulations' to Trump

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who has publicly abused US President Barack Obama and threatened to downgrade ties with the US, on Wednesday sent his "warm congratulations" to US President-elect Donald Trump.

"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," Duterte's Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said, GMA news agency said.

Duterte, who has expressed outrage almost daily with the Obama administration and threatened repeatedly to end one of Washington's most important Asian alliances, "hailed the success of US democratic system and the American way of life," the statement said.

--IANS

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