Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4) — President Rodrigo Duterte said the United States has been reaching out to him to discuss the abrogated Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.

During the oath-taking of newly-appointed officials on Tuesday, Duterte recalled his meeting with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim.

"Kaya sinabi ko kay Ambassador, it came to fore 'yung alitan ko sa kanila. Tinanggal ko 'yung VFA. Sila na naman ngayon ang lapit nang lapit," he said in a speech.

[Translation: I told the Ambassador about my gripes. I terminated the VFA. Now they keep reaching out to me.]

On February 11, Duterte unilaterally ordered the scrapping of the military deal between the US and the Philippines. On the same day, Foreign Affairs Secretary Tedoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin, Jr. sent the US a notice to terminate the VFA – marking the start of the 180-day period after which it will be effectively scrapped.

The 1998 agreement between Manila and Washington legally allows the entry of a large number of American troops, exempting them from passport and visa regulations so they can participate in joint military drills in the Philippines.

Duterte also defended his administration's controversial war on drugs, which has drawn criticism for allegedly violating human rights. One of its critics include former US President Barack Obama.

"Sinabi ko sa kanya, 'I don't care about 'yung extrajudicial killing. Wala akong pakialam diyan. You can bring all the charges you want but I will stick to my guns,'" he said.

[Translation: I told him (Sung Kim) I don't care about extrajudicial killings. You can bring all the charges you want but I will stick to my guns.]

He said the next president should be fearless enough to kill those who threaten to destroy the country.

"Alam mo sa totoo lang, Presidente ka, hindi ka marunong pumatay at takot kang mamatay, eh huwag ka na mag-presidente. Walang mangyari sa iyo. Walang mangyari sa bayan," he said.

[Translation: If you're a president but you don't know how to kill and you're scared to die, do not run for president. You won't bring any good to the country.]

With this, he said he sees no viable successor when his term ends in 2022.