Personal and official
It did not take long for President Rodrigo Duterte to react to the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's concern for human rights violations, particularly extrajudicial killings, as well as upholding the law. According to Trudeau, Duterte was "receptive" to his comments in a "very cordial and positive exchange." But now, Duterte calls Trudeau's comments as "a personal and official insult." We all know that Duterte just goes ballistic whenever human rights and extrajudicial killings are mentioned. We now have two versions of that particular meeting. All we can assume is that Duterte did not curse Trudeau to his face, nor did any slapping occur.
According to the former Philippine Ambassador to Washington, US President Donald Trump and President Duterte were cordial in talks and discussions because Trump avoided mentioning extrajudicial killings and human rights issues in the country with Duterte. It turns out that only Trudeau had the guts in the ASEAN Summit meeting to mention those issues with Duterte, who remains indignant. Duterte is now saying that he has no feud with America, only with a few officials. For sure that includes former president Barack Obama, whom he has intensely criticized and cursed. But if I recall, it seemed the essence of his speeches in the past were more on venting his ire on America and actually severing ties, while praising to high heavens both China and Russia. That's diplomacy for you.
I would concur that the ASEAN Summit was generally successful. There have been protest actions from the usual groups, where the PNP used a sonic device to disperse the protesters. I remember the "The Incredible Hulk" (2008) where a similar although much stronger device from Stark Industries was used on him. Leaders of the protesters have complained about the PNP's use of the device, which they claim can cause permanent hearing loss. The jury is still out on that one.
However, the Philippines has once again failed to address the case of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration, where the country was victorious. We know that the Duterte administration has chosen not to bring it up with China. China has pledged free and safe passage in the South China Sea, and has promised to start discussions on a Code of Conduct in the said oceans. That statement has been played over and over again at almost all the past ASEAN summits. Let's just see if this time, it actually happens.
On another note, I stand informed with regards to the short subway system in Cebu that is of great help to Cebuanos. Which is why an extensive system in Metro Manila would do wonders, if it ever gets built.
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