WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to visit the U.S. so that both leaders can personally discuss the importance of U.S.-Philippines ties.

The invitation  was  extended during a “very friendly” phone call between the two leaders this weekend.

Trump suggested that Duterte contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila to start the application process for his visa to visit the U.S. (Filipinos need a visa to visit America.)

It will be recalled that Duterte had said that he was once denied a visa to visit his girlfriend in the U.S. back when he was in college.  But now that he is president, the chances of his being granted a visa is better than 99%.

Trump, on the other hand, is expected to visit the Philippines in November this year to attend the East Asia Summit.

While U.S. citizens are not required to secure  a visa to visit the Philippines, Duterte hinted that there might be a change in immigration policy, thereby requiring Trump to secure a Philippine visa when he visits in November.

“Unless, of course, Trump decides to include the Philippines 🇵🇭  in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program which would exempt Filipinos from securing a visitor’s visa to enter the U.S.,” Duterte said.