Former President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the recent U.S. presidential election, expressing optimism for future cooperation.

“I look forward to the success of your administration and to our shared aspirations for greater peace and prosperity for our countries and peoples,” Duterte said in a statement.

It’s important to note that Trump and Duterte shared a similar ideological affinity.

During Duterte’s presidency, when Trump was in office as the 45th U.S. president, both leaders, with their populist rhetoric, vowed to “make their respective nations great again.”

Political analysts viewed the growing “Duterte-Trump bromance” then as a much-needed revitalization of the U.S.-Philippine alliance, which had been strained in previous years.

Over the past year, Duterte has consistently praised Trump, even after both left office, emphasizing their shared efforts to address common concerns such as terrorism and the illegal drug trade.

Now that Duterte is no longer in power, the question arises: Will Trump still take notice of him? If so, will their “bromance” continue? And in what capacity can the two leaders continue to collaborate and support each other moving forward?

It is worth noting that Trump has been reelected to the presidency and is set to be inaugurated as the 47th U.S. president on January 20, 2025.