politics

Abe pledges $8.7 billion investments, aid in drug war to Philippines

73 Comments
By TERESA CEROJANO

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73 Comments
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Hope P stops killing people.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

The mayor of Davao will be happy to receive his cut to run his death squads.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

$8.7 billion worth of business opportunities and private investments along with speedboats and other counterterrorism equipment to the Philippines, whose president has boosted ties with China.

Hmm.....the must be nice. Mr Abe! Could you please send me some cash too?

which Beijing wants to be settled through one-on-one negotiations with other rival claimant countries like the Philippines.

This is China's best defense, one-on-one they can bully individual countries into kowtowing to their desires, collectively China could be forced to compromise.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I could believe my eyes as I read the headline.

A mass murderer who should be on trial gets billions from PM Abe to keep up the killing.

No word of education of the disadvantaged or small business enterprise loans to the disadvantaged no.... not one word

10 ( +13 / -3 )

So apparently Japan has an endless supply of money to dole out to other nations but in terms of actually using some of that money on oh I don't know ANYTHING THA BENEFITS THE JAPANESE PEOPLE... Abenomics makes perfect sense!

16 ( +16 / -0 )

Where can he always find that billions for donations while destroying the already weak pension system here after the law was approved last month

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Abe is so generous with our money!

11 ( +11 / -0 )

The headline is misleading however. It implies that the (large) amount of money is connected to Duerte's war on drugs. That is not the case

2 ( +4 / -2 )

And not only this time is Abe giving away billions of our taxes -- he's giving it STRAIGHT to Duterte, who is going to put it right in his pocket. Duterte knows a sucker when he sees one.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

Oh yes, we will OBEY big cheese china....no fat boi', that's NOT how it WORKS.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Funding Duterte's death squads? Someday this act will be mentioned and chased by human right groups if he was disposed!

4 ( +7 / -3 )

As been said above many times, where is OUR money? He spends it abroad like water. We need it HERE first. Tohoku and Kumamoto are still not rebuilt, this country is in dire needs for daycare centers and a good pension system.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

I remember Duterte's administration made statements few months ago that Philippines no longer need foreign financial aid, but what is this now!? what an administration of hypocrisy! Japanese people need that money more than the Philippines. Abe is wasting money, he is obviously courting Duterte to turn his back against China and it will never happen as Duterte is Xi Jinping's lapdog. Abe is desperately looking for allies against China as Donald Trump seems not really go their backs 100% anymore. Before, Philippines used to be one of Japan's allies against China, but Duterte is currently on the process of making Philippines the Russia and China's pet and will make Japan all alone on her fight against China. These funds will help Duterte fund his mad killings. People in Tohoku need these money more!

6 ( +9 / -3 )

This, right here, exposes Abe for what he really is- a tyrant who doesn't give a hoot about human rights or human dignity. Not only has he gone against public opinion EVERY TIME in his own country, he's now supporting death squads in the phillipines. So now, our taxes are going to fund the murder and summary executions in that country. And for what?

Birds of a feather flock together. And who is our crow flocking with? Duerte, Putin... there you have it.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

The headline is misleading however. It implies that the (large) amount of money is connected to Duerte's war on drugs. That is not the case.

A SINGLE YEN for Duterte's death squads is repugnant.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Most of the 'Aid' will go to Japanese companies to provide services or goods to the Philippines. It is not as if cash was going into the bottomless pockets of the Manila elite, who control the funding so well that 1 dollar of aid means 1 cent gets to the people who need it.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Normally I'm in opposition of Abe, but this is money well spent. Duterte's war on drugs is a good thing. I do feel that both he and Japan should loosen their stance on marijuana though.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

regardless of how this "war" is conducted, I don't see any benefit to Japan at all, none of Japan's business in my opinion. It will only help to get some officials in that corrupt country a bit richer.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Magnet

Normally I'm in opposition of Abe, but this is money well spent. Duterte's war on drugs is a good thing. I do feel that both he and Japan should loosen their stance on marijuana though.

Please explain how will the japanese people benefit from Duterte's war on drugs? why do they need to pay for it when they don't have assurances of good pension, housing and health care?Why not invest these funds to rebuild Tohoku Kumamoto and most especially solve the issues in FUKUSHIMA???

6 ( +8 / -2 )

spend it at home. 2. Make it easier for Filipinos to come here and work. 3. Duterte may be unusual but he is not a dictator. I know any number of seemingly mild mannered and nice Filipinos and Filipinas who approve of him and what he is doing.
-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Japan will help the Philippines fight illegal drugs by helping formulate treatment programs and improve facilities, Abe said.

HUh? Since when is that an area of Japanese specialty?

and a Chinese real estate magnate financed the construction of the biggest drug rehab center in the country, drawing praises from the president.

Oh, ok. Coming up with all the great new ideas Abesan. Just get it over with and pay up. Just print more money for the next generation to have to pay back. You is being played.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I want to keep my tax money in Japan. Quit this foolish nonsense.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Luckily my edition of the paper arrived late... or I'd have spit my coffee all over the computer... FUKUSHIMA, KUMAMOTO FIRST...

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Apparently Japan is the only rich democracy that Duterte respects, so it's simply good business for Abe to solidify relations and enable Japanese companies to entrench deeper into the Philippines, which is a massive future market with a population almost as big as Japan's. Duterte's massacres are obviously an issue, but the world is moving on from a principles-based system to a real-politik, bilateral type system where pragmatists will gain a competitive advantage. You can thank Trump and the UK for that

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Seriously, Japan can't afford to pay the pensions of future generations and is handing out money like they have alot to give out.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Abe chan, seeing Japan is so rich, could you spare me some coins to help me paying my 40 years house loan and expensive child care?

ABE, it's time for you to go. You and you party of oyaji clowns.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

$8.7 billion? That's a lot of jackboots.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

brutal crackdown on illegal drugs that has claimed more than 6,000 lives.

Japan will help the Philippines fight illegal drugs by helping formulate treatment programs and improve facilities, Abe said.

Are they not shooting and killing users and dealers?

Well there wont be any need for treatment facilities then, so that money goes in to safe keeping I guess??

Wont be to long before the fool in the Phillipines decides its better for him to take complete control and announce a dictatorship.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Japan will help the Philippines fight illegal drugs by helping formulate treatment programs and improve facilities, Abe said.

So you are going to fund treatment programs and facilities and improve facilities by giving money to a government whose idea of treating drug addicts is literally gunning them down in cold blood? What?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Wakarimasen

spend it at home. 2. Make it easier for Filipinos to come here and work. 3. Duterte may be unusual but he is not a dictator. I know any number of seemingly mild mannered and nice Filipinos and Filipinas who approve of him and what he is doing.

You got the first point right, and filipinos are always not the best people when it comes to selecting leaders. That's why we are a very messy country. We never learn choosing the wrong politicians.

about Duterte not a dictator, the Dutertes running a political dynasty in Davao like they own it with extrajudicial killing charges? Admired dictators like Putin and Marcos? Killing suspected criminals without trials? Gave his loyalists and friends positions in the government that can potentially occur conflict of interest? Please tell me that these are not the characters of a dictator. I hope Abe won't regret giving Duterte these big amount of money someday.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

noypik. Yes he may be authoritarian and yes he may be nepotistic but he was elected in what were determined to be free and fair elections. if he subsequently refuses to allow elections in future then he will become a dictator. not saying he is the best choice for the country but I am saying that a number of friends and colleagues I know from the Philippines (my employer has over 2,500 staff there) think he is on the right track and better than the alternatives on offer.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I think of you don't understand how foreign aid and investments work. It's not like Abe is giving $8 plus billion to the Philippines.

It means there is 8.7 billion in investment and they fully expect to make a profit on that investment.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Wakarimasen

if he subsequently refuses to allow elections in future then he will become a dictator. not saying he is the best choice for the country but I am saying that a number of friends and colleagues I know from the Philippines (my employer has over 2,500 staff there) think he is on the right track and better than the alternatives on offer.

He just started few months ago, you still don't know how his administration will turn out later on.But we are seeing a very dangerous start, Who knows if he will allow election before his term ends on 2021? All Dictators started from a legit election until they became powerful enough to be ousted. We saw this with Marcos, people voted for him and indeed did a good job on his first term, but from his second term we saw his true colors. Duterte is a Marcos symphatizer, why would one admire a dictator? Filipinos in Japan are not the majority of the filipinos and most of them left Philippines for a long time already that they don't know what is the real situation in the Philippines. And again! Filipinos always pick the wrong people when voting, Estrada? Arroyo? Marcos? they never learn. Look at the line up our senate? MANNY PACQUIAO!? again it is one of our many problems, we are very poor when it comes to selecting leaders.

It's not the Japanese people's obligation to fund Duterte! as he bragged before that PHILIPPINES DOESN'T NEED FOREIGN FINANCIAL AID! and this situation just proved how truly unreliable Duterte is.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Noypik Agree with some of what you say but he was voted in by a majority of Filipinos in the Philippines, not in Japan. and I know quite a few colleagues in the Philippines who think he is a god thing. and don't diss two fisted Manny. He is a fighter and makes great ads about what to do in a crisis. agree Philippines doesn't NEED free money from Honest Abe. But it will take it if offered and Abe seems to be handing out our excess yen (do we have any??) like there is no tomorrow. Eventually Japan will have to pay for the ruinous policies of the last 2 decades.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Does the LDP realize that within a couple of years an election scandal for them may very well be the fact that they gave money to a war criminal and human rights violator willingly and knowing that it would be used to massacre innocent people? Because that is what they are doing. Abe is showing that he not only doesn't care one wit about human rights and atrocities, but that he is only interesting in competing with and/or isolating China's influence in the region -- at literally any cost.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Next he is going to Vietnam and Indonesia.I am just wondering about the amount.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Nippori Nick

I think of you don't understand how foreign aid and investments work. It's not like Abe is giving $8 plus billion to the Philippines. It means there is 8.7 billion in investment and they fully expect to make a profit on that investment.

Did the Japanese people agree on these investments? did Abe consider the risks? were these private sectors not influenced or pressured by Abe to spend these 8.7 Billion because he wants to court Duterte? Don't you find the timing very suspicious, why are they investing now when the ties with China (JP's number one enemy) was strengthened. I think the Japanese people owe so many explanations on how these "investment" will work out and how will they benefit from it and if Duterte is really worth of these huge amount knowing that he is China's lapdog.

Wakarimasen

Noypik he was voted in by a majority of Filipinos in the Philippines,

wrong, there are 5 candidates who ran for presidency, Duterte indeed got the highest votes among the other 4 but he only got the 40% of the population's vote so 60% of the people didn't vote for him. I used the Manny argument to point out that filipinos are not good at voting so if the filipinos like Duterte in Japan, that doesn't mean he is a good leader for us.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Drug war aid ? How much will be used to prosecute / kill users?? ... End the War on Drugs !

5 ( +5 / -0 )

I love it when my taxes are used to subsidize corrupt, murderous third-world governments. And I naively thought I`d left this behind when I left the US...

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Nippori Nick:

It means there is 8.7 billion in investment and they fully expect to make a profit on that investment.

Corporate welfare for conglomerates with deep, cavernous pockets but short arms.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Thank You Japan.... when I saw the news...Prime Minister Abe and wife Akie coming out the plane and give the Philippines an Assistance worth of billion of dollars ohhhhh..my heart lift with joy.. because as a Filipino caregiver working here in Imari Saga Japan it gives me Hope ,Strength and Confidence to work hard ...though we (Filipinos) doesn't have gold We can give back through our Faith Hope and love...Japan you are a true Brother and a Friend....May God Bless Japan.. Mga Kababayan Mabuhay !!!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

A bribe to get workers for the cheap construction of Olympic venues me thinks.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Joy Fujimatsu

Thank You Japan

Read and understand the article clearly, I don't think "Japan" gave it to Philippines, this is only Abe's idea.

Japan you are a true Brother and a Friend....May God Bless Japan.. Mga Kababayan Mabuhay !!!

I hope it won't backfire later on, if someday Japan (who is already in deep financial troubles) don't get the returns that they want and they blame the FILIPINOS for spending the money that is supposed to be for the Japanese people.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Mr abe plan is excellent--yushu na-- for the philippines and will boost economy! m

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The drug problem, corruption , poverty and criminality in the PH is enormous it will take ten Dutertes to make the country as safe and progressive as Japan.

Abe is right in giving aid to the only president of the PH who recognized the drug menace that is now akin to the opium war in China

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Did the Japanese people agree on these investments? did Abe consider the risks? were these private sectors not influenced or pressured by Abe to spend these 8.7 Bill

Japanese people voted for him. In a democracy, that's the way it works. Dance with the one what brung you.

Don't like it? Then don't vote for him and his party next time.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

PM Shinzo Abe knows the current status of the impoverished and drug infested , war torn and graft laden culture of the country known as the PH.

He also sees the difference between the past and current president in the way they tackle such tremendous problems.

He must have seen something good in Duterte despite all the lambasting done against him by the media that now Japan is offering aid to facilitate the upliftment of the lives of the Filipinos in a land of vast potential.

It's therefore perplexing why some Filipinos fail to see this and instead join the chorus of the holier than thou international media and some western powerful sectors to bring their government down.

Some posters here should join the next election in their country to prove with action what their idealistic and self adoring mouth is preaching.

Judging by their standard, their is a chance that they or he will win more than 80% of the votes!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Investing in friendship or just to show Japan cares about its neighbours..

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hiro Nobumasa

PM Shinzo Abe knows the current status of the impoverished and drug infested , war torn and graft laden culture of the country known as the PH.

And why is this Abe´s concern instead of cleaning his own backyard first? And why do japanese people need to pay for the graft laden culture of the Philippines as you said?

It's therefore perplexing why some Filipinos fail to see this and instead join the chorus of the holier than thou international media and some western powerful sectors to bring their government down.

Because we dont trust Duterte, thousands are killed without trials, you dont know if they are guilty or not! You Duterte apologists keep on saying that this is for good! But how can u know if they are killing the right people if it wasnt proven that they are guilty! We are asking for a simple basic thing. FOLLOW THE LAW!

Some posters here should join the next election in their country to prove with action what their idealistic and self adoring mouth is preaching.

Judging by their standard, their is a chance that they or he will win more than 80% of the votes!

You say the same nonsense duterte apologists say, if the argument cannot be defended you guys always push the “WHY DONT YOU RUN FOR PRESIDENT” button, we have the right to say something as we pay the taxes! Duterte works for us and it is our country and we want to see that the philippines´ progress came from our filipino taxes! Not from someone else´s money. The Duterte administration said it themselves, we dont need financial aid! So why cant they stand to that statement!? Is this administration will keep on being inconsistent? 6 months have passed and we still have crimes? plus if you think these investments will help filipinos, I don't think so, the Japanese companies will benefit more, as they can build their factories in Philippines and get cheap labor. If Abe is really sincere for a partnership with the Philippines why not abolish the VISA requirements for filipinos coming to Japan and make it easy for them to work here and pay the right wages and benefits for the profession they will work for.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

PM Shinzo Abe needs to be praised for helping uplift the lives of the Filipino people who are still feeling the effects of the graft-laden culture that past presidents considers only normal.

That's why he agrees with Duterte that the PH needs trains to decongest the roads where monstrous traffic always rules the day. Abe must have observed that past PH presidents were nonchalant about this problem for centuries that's why he's just glad to help the current president who is an action man.

But as the graft-laden, crime- culture have been entrenched for eons in the PH, maybe it would be a miracle to solve the rampant crime in 6 months . Sadly, 6 Duterte's are maybe needed to make the PH a decent country to visit in the future.

If the past PH presidents did their job as well as the present one maybe Filipinos will no longer aspire for US and Japanese visas to escape the mess in their country that Duterte is now trying to solve.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Nippori Nick

Japanese people voted for him. In a democracy, that's the way it works. Dance with the one what brung you. Don't like it? Then don't vote for him and his party next time.

Being elected by the majority doesn't necessarily allow the elected official to spend the money on whatever he wants to, that's what CORRUPT officials do, using the money on their personal interests. Those funds should be used for the Japanese people not to fund Duterte's death squad.

Hiro S. Nobumasa

PM Shinzo Abe needs to be praised for helping uplift the lives of the Filipino people who are still feeling the effects of the graft-laden culture that past presidents considers only normal.

what do you mean improving the lives of Filipinos? By building Japanese factories in the Philippines and pay the filipino workers with the most minimum wage without benefits and non renewable contracts? while the Japanese managers get the full employment salary package and benefits as what they get in Japan? If Japan is sincere about the economic partnership with Philippines, why does Japan still requires VISAs to filipinos? Admit it! this is not help, this is pure POLITICKING! Abe is losing his allies against China. After Donald Trump showing less interest on supporting Japan's defense and now Duterte becoming China's lapdog, Abe is all alone now with his fight against China and he is desperately making friends in the region and courting Duterte! But it's all gonna be a waste, as if a major conflict erupts between China and Japan, Duterte will definitely turn his back against Abe and stand side by side with Xi Jinping no matter what. It's a shame that the money that the Japanese people worked for and supposed to be for their pensions is now gonna help fund Duterte's campaign to kill more people. Before Abe thinks about improving the lives of filipinos, why can't he think to help his own people first?

maybe it would be a miracle to solve the rampant crime in 6 months . Sadly, 6 Duterte's are maybe needed to make the PH a decent country to visit in the future.

Then why would Duterte make that statement if he can't make it happen? I thought he is the man of action? why can't he be true to his words now! It's either he's decieving the Filipino people or his tactics are just poor and didn't think things through like his dirty mouth. Making broken promises like a typical traditional politician, how is he different from the previous dirty politicians then?

If the past PH presidents did their job as well as the present one maybe Filipinos will no longer aspire for US and Japanese visas to escape the mess in their country that Duterte is now trying to solve.

VISAs is not just about for people escaping the chaotic situation of one's country, it's about binding partnerships and trust between countries. So as long as there is still VISA requirements , Japan is still not open to Philippines, So Abe has to stop with his hidden Agenda as he is investing to nothing and just wasting Japanese people's tax money. Duterte is busy making enemies with other countries isolating Philippines and giving favors to corrupt officials like the Marcoses and Gloria Arroyo, tell me how will that solve the issues about corruption if he cannot even recognize and are actually friends with the topmost corrupt people? Drugs is not really the primary problem of the Philippines, corruption is! But if he will keep the corrupt officials out there then how is that gonna solve them? Don't sound like a traditional politician blaming the country's problem to ex-presidents, as we all know the main problem of the Philippines is her gullible and impatient people who makes mistakes choosing leaders like the mistake they did now by electing Duterte.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

PM Abe is eager to see Duterte succeed so that for the first time in eons Filipinos would just find it natural to FOLLOW THE LAW!

What if 10% of the current drug addicts enter Japan freely? Are you kidding?

When the time comes that Duterte have solved the lawlessness and discipline problems then I'm sure Japan would grant Filipinos visa free entry into the country.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hiro S Nobumasa

What if 10% of the current drug addicts enter Japan freely? Are you kidding? When the time comes that Duterte have solved the lawlessness and discipline problems then I'm sure Japan would grant Filipinos visa free entry into the country.

Your fear and paranoia makes you ignorant without knowing the real facts about Drug ADDICTS. First of all, how can you assure that all Europeans and Americans who come and go Japan are all not drug users? are you sure they are all clean? The fact is drug addicts only want to use drugs, their only activities are to get high and find a way to get high again, that is the cycle they live in. I don't think they are interested or think about travelling to Japan for pleasure or business ventures. They spend every money they have on drugs, I don't even think they can afford to travel. I grew up in a community with many drug addicts I saw and know their lifestyles. So I think your assumptions are wrong.

Duterte solving the Lawlessness? he hasn't sovled anything yet dude. Plus! 6,000 ALLEGED drug dealers and users were killed without trials? He admitted on throwing alleged drug dealers off the helicopters? he announced ALLEGED Drug protectors on national tv WITHOUT ANY STRONG EVIDENCES AT ALL! How are these lawful for you? Duterte is a big Law Offender, how can he solve it if he breaks it himself?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The crime laden culture in the PH needs Duterte to make it eligible for a visa free entry into Japan.

Imagine the druglords and violent addicts freely entering crime free Japan everyday?

No way. Let Duterte clean house first.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Hiro S Nobumasa

The crime laden culture in the PH needs Duterte to make it eligible for a visa free entry into Japan. Imagine the druglords and violent addicts freely entering crime free Japan everyday? No way. Let Duterte clean house first.

FYI Drug Lords are already coming in and out of Japan, they have money and connections, they can go everywhere they want until they are caught or have greenlight on their heads. plus read what I wrote about Drug addicts above, I don't think you understand drug addicts or even met one before. Drug addicts and junkies won't wait to fly 4 hours (including a pre flight 2 hours of check in) just to go violent in Japan, if Junkies want to get fixed and starting to get violent they want to get fixed it immediately, So your argument is based on your assumptions without actual facts. Plus you have the immigration bereau to filter who comes in and out of your country wether they have visas or not you can Identify who has criminal records or not. If not, then blame the poor intelligence agency and land security. Plus who says Japan is a "Crime Free" country, yup the crimes are less compare to other countries but it's never crime free. Just click the CRIME section of JT and that is another problem that Abe needs to fix ,making Japan a crime free country again before throwing Japanese people's money to Duterte. Plus why is it the Drug culture basis of VISA, Yup it could be one factor, but how about U.S.,They have big drug problems too? how come they don't need VISAs when they go to Japan? can you give me the numbers of american junkies that went berserk in Japanese soil?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Why should Japan give visa free status to a country whose president is a big Law Offender?

A country whose former minister of justice is a big time coddler of drug lords and who is now serving as a senator?

A country swarming with dangerous drug addicts and rich druglords?

Japan should in fact be more strict in screening the visa applicants cause these addicts and druglords might transfer their operations to Japan amidst Duterte's crackdown on drugs.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Hiro S Nobumasa

Why should Japan give visa free status to a country whose president is a big Law Offender? A country whose former minister of justice is a big time coddler of drug lords and who is now serving as a senator? A country swarming with dangerous drug addicts and rich druglords?Japan should in fact be more strict in screening the visa applicants cause these addicts and druglords might transfer their operations to Japan amidst Duterte's crackdown on drugs.

So all these negative things you said above, then why would Abe Invest 8 Billion dollars to this country using the japanese people's money? Especially if the president as you now agree with me a BIG LAW OFFENDER? If you are an investor, will you invest to a dying company full of "Drug Addicts" and "Drug Lords" with a new CEO who just started few months ago promising he will clean up his company but with a big track record of disobeying the law giving favors to his corrupt friends? will you invest your 8 Billion dollars to this company?

A country swarming with dangerous drug addicts

stop acting like you know about drug addicts, Obviously you don't know anything about them and just based your knowledge of it from sensationalized media, I don't even think you ever met one before.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

noypikantoku :

Thank you for informing us about the dire situation in your country.

I thought there was hope but then as you said your politicians there are ingrained with graft and corruption and your voters are nearing idiotic levels when electing your leaders.

Add to that the first hand facts from you personally that even your neighborhood is swarming with addicts.

The kidnapping of a Korean by police led by a retired narco general and the subsequent killing and cremation of the body despite the payment of 5 million ransom reinforced the view that the PH is a wastebasket goin to the dogs.

In this regard I hope Abe will pull out the 8 billion aid offer and instead channel it to Okinawa for toxic waste disposal.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hiro Nobumasa

I thought there was hope but then as you said your politicians there are ingrained with graft and corruption and your voters are nearing idiotic levels when electing your leaders.

There was a hope! until they voted for DUTERTE! the problem with Filipinos, many are too impatient and driven too much by their emotions. Many want to have quick and fast solution. Always want immediate reliefs than long term solutions. Voting for Duterte is the best example of that bad habit, Duterte just keeps killing accused drug users and dealers so that they can reach the quota asap and have something to show to the people that there was a big decline of drug dealers and was done really quickly. Duterte didn't realize that the people behind the drug problem in the Philippines are the POLICE! But what did Duterte did? he invested more money on POLICE instead of a total police cleansing, this idiot thinks that by raising their salaries they will stop them from corruption, these dirty cops are not doing this just because of money but for power. A few cash added up to their salaries won't top what they get from drug deals, so what made him think that these cops will stop? It was a reckless decision, good for him that he didn't steal from the government when he was a mayor, but along with that is a very long list of why this man can't fit for presidency.

The kidnapping of a Korean by police led by a retired narco general and the subsequent killing and cremation of the body despite the payment of 5 million ransom reinforced the view that the PH is a wastebasket goin to the dogs.

See!? it's more than 6 months now and still nothing really changed,So what makes Abe think that investing 8 Billion dollars to Duterte is a good idea? He didn't even wait for a year or two to see if Duterte really walks the talk. He didn't even consider the future political situation in the Philippines which is getting more and more complicated as not all people are happy to become allies with China, many supported Duterte, but not China, if Duterte pushes Philippines to China it can cause a civil war. Abe should have done some feasibility studies first or consulted some business analysts before passing these money to Duterte. But this is very clear, The money is not really for investment or financial aid but to buy more allies against China.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Noypikantoku:

By your description of your very own country it's saddening that it is not only a land of addicts , corrupt politicians and a place where the process of democracy is not respectede by some.

It seems that there are people there who can't accept the will of the people when their candidate lost badly.

Luckily, Japan and PM Shinzo Abe are stalwarts of democracy and respects the voice of the people and thus also respects and accepts the results of your election.

Maybe there are still segments in your society that needs to still learn the basic tenets of democracy where the power of the vote reigns supreme.

In this respect , I'm sure that Japan stands ready and able to help these folks comprehend democracy.

You still have a chance after 6 years to exercise your right again ... unless you still are not ready to respect the results again then you might be immigrate to an authoritarian country.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Hiro S Nobumasa,

Luckily, Japan and PM Shinzo Abe are stalwarts of democracy and respects the voice of the people and thus also respects and accepts the results of your election.Maybe there are still segments in your society that needs to still learn the basic tenets of democracy where the power of the vote reigns supreme. In this respect , I'm sure that Japan stands ready and able to help these folks comprehend democracy. You still have a chance after 6 years to exercise your right again ... unless you still are not ready to respect the results again then you might be immigrate to an authoritarian country.

It seems like you don't truly understand DEMOCRACY! To be given a chance to defend yourself in Court trials when you are accused of a crime and following the due process are basic tenets of DEMOCRACY! DUTERTE doesn't give this right to the accused, so if Shinzo Abe is a stalwart of DEMOCRACY as you said, why is he supporting and investing on Duterte?

you still are not ready to respect the results again

If I don't respect the result of the election, I will be outside malacanang palace asking this guy to resign or plotting a coup already. Challenging and opposing to the wrongdoings of every presidents should be encouraged. Unfortunately we are not sheeps! we live in a DEMOCRATIC Country where we are allowed to speak and point out the mistakes of every single politicians.

I don't think you understand what Democracy means.

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Noypikantoku :

I agree with you that you live in a democracy. But there are sectors and persons like you that cannot accept the result of the electoral process when your candidates are dumped in the trash after the election.

Thus history have noted several coups in your country while a more mature democracy like Japan have zilch .

As a matter of fact there are now coup rumblings in Manila again.

This is typical 'Banana Republic' type of democracy .

PM Abe recognized the fact that uplifting the lives of the Filipino people is the only way to eradicate your coup mentality thus there is no need for any feasibility studies in this regard.

Therefore, you should thank Japan for having the trust and good intentions in providing financial aid to your crime and poverty stricken country where your neighborhood is surrounded by addicts .

Hopefully in the future your country will no longer be known as a Coup-Coup Nut republic but a true democracy like Japan.

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Hiro S. Nobumasa

I agree with you that you live in a democracy. But there are sectors and persons like you that cannot accept the result of the electoral process when your candidates are dumped in the trash after the election.

In any countries there are oppositions! even Japan!. I don't think you truly understand Democracy as you cannot understand the role of opposition. My candidate!? who is my candidate? I am not criticizing the result of the election , I am criticizing the actions of Duterte against bypassing our due process. I don't know why you Duterte apologists don't understand that simple logic. You guys sound like broken records, You said yourself that you are a true follower of Democracies principles, but admires Duterte who doesnt allow accused people of trial? you are one confused man, you what you admire and what you say are totally contradicting.

As a matter of fact there are now coup rumblings in Manila again

It's not what you know it's what you can PROVE! As a matter of fact!? where did you get your facts? Any evidence or legit proof of the Coup plot attempt? how accurate it is? show it!

Therefore, you should thank Japan for having the trust and good intentions in providing financial aid to your crime and poverty stricken country where your neighborhood is surrounded by addicts

Why would I thank Abe for funding Duterte? Don't say THANK JAPAN, This is not JAPAN'S decision, this is Abe's politicking.

Hopefully in the future your country will no longer be known as a Coup-Coup Nut republic but a true democracy like Japan.

HAHA! True Democracy like Japan!? when you cannot even criticize your Prime Minister for giving away billions of dollars to a cold blooded murderer instead of spending it to your poor fellow countrymen in Tohoku or fixing Fukushima power plant? how do you call that democracy? maybe democracy of the sheeps? .... Supporting Duterte of taking away the rights of people to defend themselves on court? I don't think you understand the word DEMOCRACY at all.

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Noypikantoku :

The results of Japan's democracy is an open book for all to see.

As to the democoupcy in your country... well ... I guess it's not flattering when you have widespread 'extreme' poverty and hunger amongst the masses while your politicians are committing gluttony everyday .

People easily gets robbed , raped , kidnapped or killed in an hourly basis and as you said all your neighbors are either addicts or pushers!

PM Abe for sure noticed the difference between Duterte and your beloved ex-president in the former's seriousness in trying to make the Philippinos lives safer and better thus paving the way for the 8 billion dollar loan.

Abe was wise not to give that aid to the clan leader ex-prexy who didn't even know that narco politics and millions of addicts were increasing a million fold daily!

Now let's let all posters here judge whether it's aid -giver Japan's democracy which is laughable or your addicts-democracy. ROFL!

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Hiro S. Nobumasa

PM Abe for sure noticed the difference between Duterte and your beloved ex-president in the former's seriousness in trying to make the Philippinos lives safer and better thus paving the way for the 8 billion dollar loan.

Beloved ex-presidents??? where did I say that I loved the ex presidents. haha your argument and points is getting more foolish and immature. I thought you are wiser than that, oops I forgot you don't even know what DEMOCRACY means. You are speaking in behalf of Abe, What difference did he see? the guy hasn't done anything yet. NEWSFLASH he promised to get rid of crimes in 6 months! it's the 7th month now and a KOREAN NATIONAL was murdered inside CAMP CRAME! in tagalog... ANYARE!?

Saw the BIG difference or DESPERATELY looking for alliance as you are all alone now in asia, No assurance of U.S. backing you up as before on Trump's administration, you have bad ties with Koreas, China got the Duterte. it's Very obvious dude you PM is buying friends.

addicts-democracy. ROFL!

Yup as you said a "Republic of Addicts", and yet your Prime Minister handed 8 Billion dollars to this country just like that (using the people's money) who is the idiot now? ROFL

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Noypikantoku:

PM Shinzo Abe indeed truly comprehends the severity of the drug and crime problem in your addict-flooded Coup Coup Nut Republic. Unlike some inhabitants there whose neighborhood is ruled by addicts who have no common sense to think for himself and takes the word of politicians literally .

When told to jump at the count of 6 they fall down the cliff without even an iota of a clue! Must be drug related? Search me !

Be that as it may it's puzzling why there are Philippinos who are against Japan giving 8 billion dollar aid with the noble purpose of improving their country's road infrastructure and in building the first ever rail system in big and beautiful Mindanao! Would you folks believe that the past presidents neglected all these basic necessities of a country?

An astute and noble politician like Abe certainly sees the potential of the Duterte leadership to build these massive highway and rail systems plus bridges that will soon connect Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao.

Some people are so darn ignorant about geopolitics that they only see the thin surface of Japan's strategic relationship with China and the Korea's and for that matter the USA.

But can't really blame someone whose neighbors are all addicts which simply explains their begging for a visa free entry to Japan.

I'm sure folks knows the answer to such a dream. Lol!

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Hiro S Nobumasa

PM Shinzo Abe indeed truly comprehends the severity of the drug and crime problem in your addict-flooded Coup Coup Nut Republic. Unlike some inhabitants there whose neighborhood is ruled by addicts who have no common sense to think for himself and takes the word of politicians literally

And why is it Shinzo Abe's job to comprehend the severity of Drug and Crime problems in Philippines?

Coup-Coup Nut Republic

Coup-Coup Nut? Coconut? Are you trying to be racist now? since you cannot justify your contradicting statements so put out the racist card? pathetic

who have no common sense to think for himself

Your economy is spiraling down, you have an unsolved crippled nuclear power plant that is definitely damaging your environment , Prefectures that are still not yet rebuilt but still prioritized to fix other nation's crime problems by giving 8 Billion dollars... now tell me, who has no common sense?

and takes the word of politicians literally

It's not taking his words literally , these are facts! 6,000 ALLEGED drug users and dealers were killed since Duterte became president. He is the head of state and supposed to be working for people, so every single words that come off his mouth should be taken seriously, he is a President, not a comedian.

Some people are so darn ignorant about geopolitics

And youre one of those as you fail to see the obvious,

why there are Philippinos who are against Japan giving 8 billion dollar aid

Because this is all Abe's Hidden Agenda and not an AID. the worse thing is he is using some other people's money! and if you think that building Japanese businesses with cheap labor will help Philippines, NO WAY! And we don't want people like you blaming Philippines later for using the money that is supposed to be funding your people.

But can't really blame someone whose neighbors are all addicts which simply explains their begging for a visa free entry to Japan.

Who is begging for VISA? My point is if Abe is sincere about fair economical partnership with Philippines, then you can see that sincerity by granting the country exemption on VISAs. Of course Japan doesnt have to give filipinos visas due to the reasons you are pointing out above, So Abe should cut the BS saying and pretending that they want to be business partners with our country, when the truth is he is just politicking and buying Duterte.

massive highway and rail systems plus bridges that will soon connect Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao.

HAHAHA Philippines is an archipelago, it's too stupid to think that this is possible. Don't be too gullible dude, analyze things before you believe every politician's stupid promises.

An astute and noble politician like Abe

HAHAHA you're joking right?

I'm sure folks knows the answer to such a dream. Lol!

It was your PM coming to Duterte offering 8 Billion kissing Duterte's feet, despite of the drug and chaotic situation of the country...so who is dreaming desperately then?

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And why is it Shinzo Abe's job to comprehend the severity of Drug and Crime problems in Philippines?

Simple. PM Abe doesn't want your CCN Republic become a narco state.

Moreover it's pasrt of the Bushido Spirit to help one's neighbor.

Coup-Coup Nut? Coconut? Are you trying to be racist now? since you cannot justify your contradicting statements so put out the racist card? pathetic

Not racist, just the plain truth. You mean you didn't know how many coups your country had?

HAHAHA Philippines is an archipelago, it's too stupid to think that this is possible. Don't be too gullible dude, analyze things before you believe every politician's stupid promises.

That's the problem when you only listen to your addict- friends and ex-prexy.

It's not taking his words literally , these are facts! 6,000 ALLEGED drug users and dealers were killed since Duterte became president. He is the head of state and supposed to be working for people, so every single words that come off his mouth should be taken seriously, he is a President, not a comedian.

When someone said he will stop the drug problem in 6 months please use your common sense. You your self said that your neighbors are addicts.

Don't take it too literally.

It was your PM coming to Duterte offering 8 Billion kissing Duterte's feet, despite of the drug and chaotic situation of the country...so who is dreaming desperately then?

That's precisely Abe is confident in giving that aid now under Duterte because he knows your president can be trusted.

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Hiro Nobumasa

Simple. PM Abe doesn't want your CCN Republic become a narco state. Moreover it's pasrt of the Bushido Spirit to help one's neighbor.

Bushido!? HAHA ... Help one's neighbor? how about your neighbors in Tohoku and Fukushima? when will they get the help and resolve their problems completely?

Not racist, just the plain truth. You mean you didn't know how many coups your country had?

"Coup Coup nut Republic"... let the reader's judge what are you trying to imply here.

That's the problem when you only listen to your addict- friends and ex-prexy

Building train lines in the middle of the SEA!? The Seas that are getting hit by many typhoons every year? who's hallucinating now?

When someone said he will stop the drug problem in 6 months please use your common sense. You your self said that your neighbors are addicts. Don't take it too literally.

Excuses! Excuses! During the presidential debates, that statement was challenged by rival candidates and Duterte confirmed it so many times that he has a plan to get rid of crimes in 6 months. Hi confirmed that it is not an exaggeration and he has a plan that will work to make Philippines a crime free in 6 months. So stop making excuses.

That's precisely Abe is confident in giving that aid now under Duterte because he knows your president can be trusted

Confidence or Desperate for alliance? is it a Bushido way to but friends too?

The Korean man was murdered inside CAMP CRAME, Inside of Duterte's Chief of Police's camp, done by his men... If Duterte cannot even organize camp crame, how can he even resolve the issues of the entire country. Your Bushido leader seems made a very big mistake here. haha

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Noypikantoku :

My good Philippino friend Noel who plays bass and keyboards in their band here in Naha says if people takes words literally without using common sense then your uncle President Noy should have been run over by a train already ! Lol!

Japan is helping your country build bridges to connect major islands . Mr. Noel said it has been done before - San Juanico bridge and with Japan's hi-tech expertise never before seen by addicts , nothing is impossible .

Of course it's understandable and pardonable that people whose only advisers and associates are his addict neighbors haven't yet heard of undersea tunnels in Japan and between the UK and France!

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