Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Russian leader Vladimir Putin: "I kill criminals, I don't kill children and the elderly"
CBSSep 09, 2022
Philippines' Duterte Criticizes Putin Over Ukraine Killings
Image copyright: Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division [via AP]
The Facts
On Mon., Philippine Pres. Duterte urged Russian Pres. Putin to take action to prevent the killing of innocent civilians in Ukraine.
He described the conflict as a war against a "sovereign nation" and blamed the invasion for the spike in global oil prices. However, he also emphasized that he wasn't condemning the Russian leader.
The Spin
Narrative A
Regardless of his effort to detach himself from the Russian leader, Duterte is no different from Putin, a man who he idolizes and calls a friend. His anti-drug policy has led to the deaths of thousands and the ICC is rightly investigating him for crimes against humanity.
Narrative B
Duterte is rightly concerned about the suffering of innocent people and his statements reflect his intention to advise a long-time friend and ally to retake control of delinquent forces for the sake of civilian lives.