The statement hints that further deployment of American forces in Philippine is unlikely. Duterte also said the only reason for continuing EDCA activities this year is due to the previous firming up of the agreement by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
"By the time I talked to [Lorenzana], the arrangement had already been firmed up. I do not want to embarrass the Philippines and, of course, not so much because I was already vocal against it. But in deference to the secretary of defense, I said go ahead but this should be the last time," Duterte said at the press conference in Davao City.
Last month, Duterte asserted that the military exercises carried out by the two countries only actually benefit US soldiers. He added that in the next two years he would like to see his country "freed of the presence of foreign military troops."
"I want them out, and if I have to revise or abrogate agreements, executive agreements, I will," the president stated.
When the US suggested it might withdraw aid to the Philippines because of increasing concerns over human rights in the Pacific nation, Duterte retorted, "You can have it. It's all yours. We will survive."
