DUTERTE, cozying up with Russia

Strategically located in a very volatile area, the Philippines' position on both geographic and political direction is of global importance.

Since 1898 after the Spanish American war was over, the Philippines was freed from the Spaniards ending over 300 years of abusive and slavery rule. It gave rise to the Westernization of the country and followed by the installation of American control. Considering the location alone, the US interest of the area almost led to the inclusion of the Union only to be thwarted by the Filipino elites thinking it would make us just as slave as when we were under the Spaniards.

While the independence of the country was a prized achievement in 1945, the US continued to run their military operations on a lease contract which ended sometime in the 80s. The following years, there proved no sign of any political conflict amongst the super powers of the world which include but not limited to Russia, China, US and Europe. Good riddance for the US as it cost us about a billion dollar of rent expense which was a loss to the Philippines.

Recently however, because of the growing aggression of China in building its military powers in disputed island north of the Philippines, coupled by the increasing presence of ISIS training in the south it is most likely that US actually do need the Philippines or for political and military balance, the world do need it.

What is very radically disturbing at the moment is Duterte leaning on forging an unusual relationship with Russia leaving US and Philippines' relationship a very questionable and undoubtedly shaken. A very unexpected political alliance is being forged.

Recently Duterte insulted Obama and I personally feel perhaps he truly knows what is better for the future of the country. Obama being so pro islam and the ISIS making the south as training ground of terror, perhaps he feels he will not get a good support from a US president that stands opposite his objectives.