PH, U.S.: We're still friends

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Diplomats from both the Philippines and the United States say ties between the two countries remain strong – despite President Rodrigo Duterte's harsh words when speaking about the U.S.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. told CNN Philippines, "Our relationship with the United States is very strong, and there can be no wedge to that relationship."

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Duterte decries Hitler comparison

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at his critics who had been comparing him to Germany's Adolf Hitler.

The president called out the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) and the United States (US) anew for criticizing his anti-drugs campaign in the country.

"Kaya kung ikaw nandito bakit hindi ka magmumura? (So if you are here, why wouldn't you curse?) You're portrayed or pictured to be some cousin of Hitler and yet do not even bother to find out, to investigate," Duterte said in his speech after arriving from Vietnam early Friday.

The president noted that Hitler killed three million Jews but said he is also willing to take down three million drug users to solve the drug issue in the Philippines.

"Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now, there are three million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them" Duterte said.

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Gov't officials flock to Miriam Santiago's wake

Government officials have paid their last respects to the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Among the first to visit Santiago's wake at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Quezon City was former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who was her running mate in the 2016 presidential elections.

Also seen visiting the cathedral was former senator and now Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, who worked on the controversial Reproductive Health bill with Santiago when they were still in the Senate.

"She would always be concerned with how I am and people don't know that about her so when I saw her I was sad she was somebody who always expressed concern for how I was and how everything is," she told reporters.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad, and former Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo also paid their respects to Santiago at the wake.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier said that he also wishes to visit the wake. He sent a funeral wreath ahead of time.

But it's not just prominent personalities who are allowed to see the popular lady senator for the last time. The public are also encourage to visit and pay their respects.

Santiago passed away on Thursday in her sleep while at the St Luke's Medical Center in Taguig. She was 71.

She will be buried beside her son Alexander, according to her brother General Benjamin Defensor.

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