Duterte lauds Trump for his promise to stop illegal drugs

January 24, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has hailed US President Donald Trump, who like him, has vowed to stop illegal drugs.

"Look at his (Trump) inaugural speech. He (said he) will stop drugs," Duterte said in a speech Sunday night during the 55th birthday celebration of Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The President expressed belief that Trump would also kill those who were involved in illegal drug trade.

"Look at Trump, he's like a fool. But he won't be a billionaire if he's a fool," he said.

Trump, during his inaugural speech, promised to go after illegal drugs, similar to Duterte's campaign.

The President recalled how his conversation went with Trump when he called him up in December to congratulate the then US president-elect.

Unlike with former US President Barack Obama whom Duterte called as "son of a bitch" for criticizing the alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines due to his war on drugs, he has said he sees a better relationship with America under Trump's presidency. Celerina Monte/DMS