Palace unfazed by criticism over Trump invite to Rody

MANILA, Philippines -  Malacañang is unfazed by criticisms against US President Donald Trump’s decision to invite President Duterte to the White House even if Duterte has not yet responded to the invitation.  

Trump invited Duterte to the White House in a phone conversation hours after the closing of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit last Saturday.

The invitation drew flak from critics who claimed that Trump is reaching out to a leader accused of condoning human rights violations.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the criticisms hurled against the invitation were expected. 

“There will always be critics,” he said.

“By the way, there was an open invitation. There was no direct acceptance of the invitation. It was acknowledged but there was no direct response to go,” he added. 

Abella also brushed aside the United Nations’ call for Trump to ask Duterte to take seriously the alleged human rights violations linked to the Philippines’ war on illegal drugs. 

“Well, according to the conversation, the President of the United States has already acknowledged the fact that the President is doing a great job, considering the weight and enormity of conditions in the Philippines,” he said. 

“So I’m sure he’s aware of all these considerations. However, from his point of view, it seems like the President of the Philippines is doing a sensible job,” he added.

Asked if Malacañang is honored by Trump’s invitation to Duterte, Abella said: “I think it’s a sign of openness and understating between the two leaders definitely. Except that, you know, he just did not say he would go.”

On Monday, Duterte said he could not promise Trump that he would visit the White House because he has other planned foreign trips.   

“I’m tied up. I cannot make any definite promise,” he told reporters in a chance interview in Davao City. 

Duterte said he is scheduled to travel to Russia and Israel.

He is also expected to go to Cambodia to attend the World Economic Forum and to China to participate in the One Belt, One Road Summit this month.  – With Edu Punay