Philippines US-Filipino relations have plummeted under President Rodrigo Duterte, who shares some populist and mercurial characteristics with his guest. At its lowest point, Duterte called former president Barack Obama a “son of a whore” for criticising his human rights record. Oliver Holmes (@olireports) First meet between @realDonaldTrump and Philippines leader. pic.twitter.com/18sovP8KuzFor the US leader, the Philippines visit is a chance to show he can win back estranged allies, said Richard Javad Heydarian, the author of The Rise of Duterte. Duterte has moved the Philippines swiftly away from its former colonial power on several fronts.

Source: The Guardian November 12, 2017 11:03 UTC