Duterte mulls U.S. trip to express gratitude for COVID-19 vaccine donations
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he may visit the United States of America to thank its government and its people for its donation of COVID-19 vaccines.
Duterte made the remark in light of the information that the US has donated another five million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
“Ang bait ng America. Baka pupunta ako doon (America is so kind. I might pay a visit) just to thank the American government and the people,” he said in his latest public address.
This was contrary to his statements in July of this year where he said it was never in his mind to make a trip to the US.
He even admitted that he balked on his previous promise to visit the US if its government returns the Balangiga bells to the Philippines.
“Pero talaga in my mind, the Americans might know it, there was never in my mind a trip to America,” he said in his speech on July 26.
“I have not been to America for almost 10 years? 22 years? I have not visited America and I have no intention of visiting it anymore,” Duterte added.
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