MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – After all his past rhetoric against Uncle Sam, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte today admitted that he is, after all, still a “tuta ng Kano” (American puppet).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that Duterte made this admission after he approved the purchase of 16 Black Hawk helicopters from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp — an American company — for $240 million.

Earlier, it was announced that the Philippines was considering buying helicopters from Russia.

But because of U.S. sanctions on Russian military exports, that Russian purchase was shelved.

”I have no choice,” Duterte reportedly said, “if I purchased the helicopters from Russia, my country would also face sanctions from Donald Trump.  I’d rather be called an American puppet rather than face the wrath of Uncle Sam.”