Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — An ally of President Rodrigo Duterte said a mere announcement won’t cut Philippine ties with the United States.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ senior anchor Pia Hontiveros on Network News Friday, former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel said diplomatic relations involve much more.
“We have to remember that our relationship with the U.S. is defined not only by presidential announcements but by treaties and legal obligations,” he said.
Pimentel said the President’s message only sets the tone for the kind of relationship that would be maintained between the two countries under the current administration.
“For the reason that there are treaties that bind us,” Pimentel said. “It cannot be immediately abrogated because there are certain agreements that have to be taken into consideration.”
The former senator referred to the U.S. as “a country we can rely on to help us protect our territories.”
He expressed concern about the possible impact of Duterte’s comments on the country’s maritime dispute with China.
“That is what I am worried about. Our territories being eaten up by, let’s say, the aggressive tendencies of China,” he stressed.
Pimentel said the public must understand what Duterte is trying to do.
“Obviously he’s trying to expand our relationship with China. And in the process he seems to be distancing himself from the U.S.,” he pointed out.
Announcement so abrupt
In the same interview, former National Security Advisers Roilo Golez and Jose Almonte admitted they were taken aback when they heard the President’s statement from Beijing.
“Renewing our bilateral relations with China is good. But separating from America at the same time, which I heard from President Duterte, to me is very wrong,” Almonte, who worked with former President Fidel V. Ramos, said.
Golez said he was still trying to figure out what triggered Duterte’s decision to make such an announcement.
“It is very baffling,” he said.
Golez added that although there were early signs that the Presidentwould distance himself from the U.S., the declaration was “so abrupt.”
“There were signs earlier, President Duterte talking negatively about the United States. But separating economically and militarily must be triggered by something really, really very important, very fundamental – and I do not see that right now,” Golez pointed out.
Almonte said he would advise Duterte, if given an opportunity, that “we should be friends with everybody.”
He explained that the President must see the relationship of China and the U.S. as “the best model” – maintaining friendly relationship despite intense competition.
Almonte said this kind of relationship allows both countries avoid going to war.
