Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he was against the presence of any foreign troops in his country, Reuters reported.

He also demanded that the U.S. should not treat the Philippines “like a dog with a leash”, adding that the United States could “forget” about Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines, if he stayed longer.

“I look forward to the time when I no longer see any military troops or soldier in my country except the Filipino soldiers,” Duterte said prior to his departure to Japan.

Earlier, Philippine President stated that it was time to “say goodbye” to the United States. However, later Duterte became softer specifying that his country could not break off the relations with the U.S..