Philstar
‘They didn’t know what they were doing’: Trump blasts Duterte-era diplomacy
US President Donald Trump met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House, where Trump criticized the previous administration led by former President Rodrigo Duterte, stating they "did not know what they were doing."
Trump contrasted the previous administration's approach with that of President Marcos Jr., indicating satisfaction with the current relationship.
The Duterte administration had previously distanced the Philippines from traditional US alliances to foster closer ties with Beijing.
This shift in foreign policy occurred amidst criticisms from US officials regarding human rights abuses during the anti-drug campaign.
Duterte's presidency also saw threats to terminate the Mutual Defense Treaty with the US, particularly after the reported revocation of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa's visa.
Former President Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity.
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Former US President Donald Trump claimed that the Philippines returned to the US side after his election, but this assertion is contradicted by the timeline of events.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. on July 22 to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on security, trade, and immigration.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed for Washington D.C. on July 20, 2025, for a three-day official visit, aiming to negotiate a potential bilateral trade deal and discuss defense cooperation with US President Donald Trump.
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US President Donald Trump stated he does not mind if the Philippines strengthens its ties with China, citing America's own good relationship with Beijing.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hailed a one-percentage-point reduction in U.S. tariff rates on Philippine exports to 19 percent, resulting from bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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