President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he delivers a speech to the members of the Philippine Army during a visit at the army headquarters in Taguigon October 4, 2016. Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte said that he is open to accepting refugees into the country "in the name of humanity."

In a press briefing that started late Sunday evening, Duterte said he would take in refugees who were affected by President Donald Trump's order restricting admission of refugees from certain predominantly Muslim countries.

"Ako, in the name of humanity and God, we'll have to make some adjustments," the president said.

"If there is a compelling reason for us to offer sanctuary, I am one of those na, okay lang ako sa walang mapuntahan na. If they cannot go anywhere anymore except to face death by hunger."

However, the president clarified that Congress would need to approve the measure before the country can take in refugees.

Duterte added that he would not interfere with Trump's policies, the same way the new U.S. administration has not interfered with his war on drugs.