Duterte was strident in declaring that he will pursue an independent foreign policy but only to conceal his complete betrayal of the country’s sovereignty. This is a hollow declaration as he remains obeisant to imperialist dictates. Just to actualize his ambition to raise billions of dollars, Duterte has been desperately begging for loans from China notwithstanding extremely high interest rates and at the expense of the country’s victory in Arbitral Tribunal which recognized the Philippines’ claim over islands and other land formations across the South China Sea. In fact, he even contracted an agreement for Joint Exploration which surrenders the exclusive right of the Philippines to develop the marine resources, oil and other minerals within its own economic zone.

Moreover, his promise to dismiss thousands of government officials once he “catches a whiff” of corruption is also an empty boast. He used this campaign to dismiss appointees of the former Aquino regime and replace them with his own henchmen. His relatives, friends and allies whom he favored alternately occupied various positions. Not a single official whom he dismissed was convicted, while some were even rewarded with promotions.