When questioned by reporters about the 6.4 percent inflation in August, a nine-year high that exceeded most analysts' forecasts, Duterte blamed Trump's economic policies. When America raised its rates, everyone raised theirs as well. "Because America... Trump wanted it. Duterte, who has previously admitted he is not well-versed in economics, did not elaborate on how US economic policies might affect inflation in the Philippines. Human rights groups charge that the actual death toll is thrice as high but Trump has brushed aside such concerns, hailing his "great relationship," with Duterte.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 08, 2018 08:48 UTC