Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and US president-elect Donald Trump. Reuters

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday brushed aside comparisons to US president-elect Donald Trump, saying he was just a "small molecule" compared to the leader of the most powerful country in the world.

The two leaders, who both rode populist waves and beat perceived pro-establishment candidates, are often compared for their brash language. Duterte has repeatedly attacked incumbent US President Barack Obama for criticizing his bloody war on drugs.

"I'm just a small molecule in this planet, he's now the president of the most powerful country in the world," Duterte said in a televised news conference from Davao City.

"I am just a president struggling to barely... above the water," Duterte said.

The President said he shared with the Republican real estate mogul and reality television star a "passion to serve" the people.

Duterte said the US, under Trump will remain a "friend" and an "ally" and agreements between the two countries will be respected.

"The respect should be there, and in all matters that would affect our two countries, especially the treaties that we signed with them and there are so many agreements. It will be honored, all of these things," he said.