These Chinese assurances were top of the agenda of the discussions Vice Premier Yang had with President Duterte in Davao City the day following his arrival. But when President Duterte visited China in October last year and the Chinese leadership appreciated the Philippine President’s pursuit of a less contentious approach to the South China Sea conflict, Chinese bans on the importation of Philippine agricultural products were lifted. According to Bobi Tiglao, both moves were aimed at the ultimate ouster of President Duterte. To President Duterte’s thrust to greatness, therefore, there is just this one obstacle, but a truly monstrous one which no Philippine President has ever learned to surmount yet: the United States of America. Pray President Duterte learns how to do it this time.

Source: Manila Times March 18, 2017 16:07 UTC