MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte believes that he will only be insulted if he accepts the invitation to attend the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM12) in Brussels, Belgium in October.

Duterte, who has had a difficult relatonship with the European Union over his brutal war on illegal drugs, said he would not hesitate to curse at the delegates of the summit if they insult him.

“Tingin niyo sa akin ganun noon (You used to belittle me). Why change your assessment of my persona? What am I supposed to do there? Ask me questions? Insultuhin ninyo ako (insult me)? E pu**hin ko kayong lahat dun (I will curse at you there),” the President said during the 45th anniversary of the National Economic and Development Authority yesterday in Pasig.

“Hindi ako gaya ng ibang presidente na pwede mo lang... Bahala kayo diyan (I’m not like other presidents you can belittle. I leave that to you),” he added.

The EU has expressed concerns over the spate of deaths tied to Duterte’s crackdown on narcotics, a move that the President viewed as an attempt to interfere with the Philippines’ internal issues.

Last year, Duterte wrongly accused the EU of calling for the Philippines’ ouster from the United Nations over alleged human rights violations. He even asked ambassadors of the bloc’s member states to leave the country.

The statement about the possible removal of the Philippines from the UN was not issued by the EU but by a group of European parliamentarians who do not represent the bloc.

Despite the controversies, the EU invited Duterte to attend the ASEM12 on Oct. 18 to 19. The event aims to strengthen ties between Asian and European countries.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said Duterte’s attendance would provide an opportunity to “develop an understanding of Europe.”

Duterte insisted that he hates to travel, even calling the EU “gago (fool).”

Duterte also assailed American congressmen who threatened to stage protests if he accepts the invitation of United States President Donald Trump to visit the White House.

“Trump has a standing invitation. According to two senators, if that Duterte comes here, we will lead the protest. You know guys, you are too presumptuous. Whoever told you that I will go to your place?” he said.

Duterte was referring to Rep. James McGovern, who represents the 2nd district of Massachusetts, and Rep. Jackie Speier of California’s 14th district, who have scored the alleged human rights violations of the war on drugs.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communication and Research Ernesto Abella visited the European External Action Service in Brussels last Jan. 31 where he met Gunnar Wiegand, managing director for Asia and Pacific for the EEAS.

Officials of the Philippines and the EU discussed ways to improve relations after the recent ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The DFA said “both parties discussed developments in Philippine-EU relations.”

“#Philippines: Friendly meeting with… Undersecretary Ernesto Abella on ways to improve relations after recent ratification by Philippines of new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with #EU,” Wiegand said on his Twitter account following the meeting.

The EU welcomed the Senate ratification of the EU-Philippines PCA last month, saying it is a major milestone and a big step forward in the EU-Philippines relationship. – With Pia Lee-Brago