Duterte to watch his words during meeting with Japan’s Emperor Akihito

MANILA, Philippines — Acid-tongued President Rodrigo Duterte vowed he would watch his mouth during his meeting with the revered Japanese Emperor Akihito.

“In Tokyo, I will have an audience with his majesty Emperor Akihito to personally convey gratitude for Japan’s friendship with the Philippines which has grown stronger under the majesty’s reign,” Duterte said before departing for Japan Sunday night.

He added: “I suppose that I have to limit my mouth there, except maybe to bring the warm greetings of the Filipino nation, a grateful nation to Japan as a matter of fact.”

READ: Duterte set to meet Japanese imperial couple

Duterte, who is known for his trademark cussing and use of crude language, is often criticized, saying his way of speaking is “unpresidential.”

The chief executive said he intended to meet Emperor Akihito before the latter steps down.

“It’s a kind of homage to the emperor before he abdicates. The last time I was not able to do it because his uncle died. That’s why I have to go back again,” he said.

Duterte is scheduled to meet the respected Japanese royals on Tuesday before he returns to the country.

He was supposed to meet the imperial couple during his first visit to Japan last year, but it was called off following the death of the emperor’s uncle Prince Mikasa.

Duterte will also meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—whom the president called as a “true friend” of Filipinos—to discuss issues like the North Korea threat, rebuilding of Marawi, terrorism and infrastructure projects. 

READ: Duterte calls off courtesy call on Japanese Emperor Akihito

Duterte to deal with Trump in ‘most righteous way’

On the same event, Duterte said he would deal with US President Donald Trump in the “most righteous way” during their bilateral meeting in November.

“I will deal with President Trump in the most righteous way, welcome him as an important leader. As a matter of fact, [he is] the most important leader on the side of the planet,” he said.

Duterte noted that he and the American leader “move their mouths in the same cadence.”

“I will also have to listen to him to what he has to say. My responses would be calibrated on what he would ask,” he said.

Duterte also said that the most important matter he would tackle with Trump is the issue on North Korea.

Trump will be in Manila from Nov. 12 to 13 to attend the special gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the ASEAN-US Summit.

The US president, however, will not be attending the East Asia Summit on Nov. 14 as he will be leaving the night before.

During his visit to Beijing last year, Duterte announced his “separation” from the United States, the country’s long-time ally and trading partner.

READ: Duterte announces military, economic break with US

But last May, Trump praised Duterte following their phone conversation where they talked about concerns of ASEAN regional security, including tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

“I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem," Trump told Duterte in their phone conversation.

READ: Transcript: In call, Trump praises Duterte’s 'great' job on drug war