Duterte apologizes to Kuwait government for ‘harsh language’

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
The President apologized for the “harsh language” he used when a diplomatic row between the governments of Kuwait and the Philippines broke out over the situation of the distressed Filipino workers in the Persian Gulf state.
“I’d like to apologize now,” said President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the government of Kuwait on Sunday, June 3.
“For the first time, I would say that I was harsh in my language. Maybe because that was a result of an emotional outburst, but I’d like to apologize now,” the President said in his speech during his meeting with the Filipino community in South Korea on Sunday afternoon.
He added: “I’m sorry for the language that I was using, but I’m very satisfied by the way how you responded to the problems of my country.”
The President also hinted that he might visit Kuwait because all of his demands were granted.
“I think I’ll go there. I’d like to thank the Kuwaiti government for understanding us, keeping their faith in us, and practically giving all of my demands,” he said.
The Filipinos in Kuwait, according to Mr. Duterte, will now enjoy “one day off.”
“And also I asked, I requested and I pleaded and I begged for my countrymen that they can cook their own food, that there will be no sexual harassment whatsoever, body contact,” he added.