Rody on Goldberg: He started the trouble

MANILA, Philippines – President Duterte has no kind words for US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, blaming him for the strained relations with Washington.

“Goldberg? He did not know that he started this trouble. He made comments (during the campaign period) that were not supposed to be made by an ambassador,” Duterte said in Filipino.

“I don’t want to insult him. He didn’t know that he started all this trouble,” he added.

Goldberg has ended his stint in Manila, returning to Washington last Friday. He is expected to be assigned to another country soon.

Duterte said Goldberg seems to be “oblivious to the reasons” why he hated Americans.

Duterte reiterated the hardships the Filipinos went through when the US colonized the Philippines.

“Let me repeat this again for your education, so you will learn: you are criticizing my campaign against illegal drugs. I don’t want to kill people. Who would want to? But you picture me as if I enjoy killing my countrymen. This is why I’m having a hard time reaching out to everybody for peace,” he said.

Earlier, Duterte referred to Goldberg as “gay” and a “son of a bitch” for calling his attention to the way the government was conducting its war against drugs.

Duterte said the US has long insulted the Philippines and has threatened him of an end to the assistance it has been giving the country.

He likened himself to a dog on a leash and tempted with bread thrown too far for the dog to reach.

“You are like that. That is how low you look at us. Just because we were once your colony, you think that we are still under your command. When you give aid, there are many conditions. As if we’re treated like dogs on a leash,” Duterte said.

Unlike Americans, Duterte said he could not accept an insult before the public.

He then pointed out that while he was still mayor of Davao City, there were times when he called on the people for discipline.

But when these people came with their children or wives, Duterte said he would simply tell them not to repeat the wrongs they have done.

“I simply tell him not to do it again. I don’t want to embarrass him in front of his wife and children,” Duterte said.

“For the Americans, it means nothing. But to us Orientals, especially the Filipino, we are sensitive to insults… so, that is the long and short of my quarrel with America. You do not know what dignity or pride of the person is,” Duterte said, reiterating the Philippines could survive without aid from the US.

Duterte also told the Moros who attended the gathering to stop pinning their hopes on American financial aid.

He said China and Russia have assured him of help and that all he needs to do is to talk to them.

Goldberg is leaving the Philippines in November. Outgoing ambassadors traditionally receive the Order of Sikatuna award from the President as a token of appreciation for the service rendered to the country.

Even without the Order of Sikatuna, Goldberg said he would be happy enough to leave the Philippines with his integrity intact.