WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama offered his congratulations to the new presumptive president of the Philippines who has attracted controversy over his iron-fisted approach to law and order.
The White House said Obama and Rodrigo Duterte spoke by phone in their first conversation since Duterte declared victory in the May 9 vote.
Obama noted high voter turnout in the election was a sign of the Philippines' "vibrant democracy," and he highlighted the two nations' "shared commitments to democracy, human rights, rule of law and inclusive economic growth," a statement said.
Duterte has been a controversial character in Philippine politics. The longtime mayor of Davao campaigned on a promise to end crime and corruption. His public threat to kill all criminals helped catapult him to the presidency but has alarmed human rights activists.
Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes acknowledged the controversy over some of Duerte's past statements but he said the U.S. wanted to build on the "good progress" made between the allies under the outgoing administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
The White House said Obama and Rodrigo Duterte spoke by phone in their first conversation since Duterte declared victory in the May 9 vote.
Obama noted high voter turnout in the election was a sign of the Philippines' "vibrant democracy," and he highlighted the two nations' "shared commitments to democracy, human rights, rule of law and inclusive economic growth," a statement said.
Duterte has been a controversial character in Philippine politics. The longtime mayor of Davao campaigned on a promise to end crime and corruption. His public threat to kill all criminals helped catapult him to the presidency but has alarmed human rights activists.
Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes acknowledged the controversy over some of Duerte's past statements but he said the U.S. wanted to build on the "good progress" made between the allies under the outgoing administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
