President Duterte revealed that President-Elect Donald Trump is happy on his leadership in Philippines.
"You just set something good here and you're doing great. I know what's your worry about these Americans criticizing you. You are doing good; go ahead," Duterte said, quoting Trump.
Duterte said he considers Trump a "kaibigan" friend.
"That's why I'm very impressed with you, Mr. President (Duterte)," the President added, again quoting Trump. "Oh yes, when you come to Washington, D.C. or New York City, look me up and we'll have coffee."
Last week, Duterte said Trump wished him success in his campaign against illegal drugs, a sharp contrast with U.S. President Barack Obama's criticisms on the war on drugs.
"He understood the way we are handling it and I said that there's nothing wrong in protecting a country. It was a bit very encouraging in the sense that I supposed that what he really wanted to say was that we would be the last to interfere in the affairs of your own country," President Duterte added.
He later clarified that his "separation" with the U.S. pertained to foreign policy:
"It is not a severance of ties….In the severance of ties you cut the diplomatic relations. I cannot do that. It is in the best interest of my country that we maintain that relationship (with the U.S.)." President Duterte said.
