Gordon: Duterte wrong in threatening to cut ties with US

Sen. Richard Gordon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Richard Gordon on Thursday rebuffed President Duterte’s latest pronouncements threatening to break ties with the United States, calling the Commander-in-Chief’s position “wrong.”

Gordon, who earlier this week scoffed at being tagged as an ally of the President, called out Mr. Duterte’s statements indicating an end to a long-standing friendship with the Americans as the latter seemed to court favor with the Philippines’ rival in the South China Sea dispute as he undertook a state visit to China.

READ: ‘Time to say goodbye,’ Duterte tells US during visit to China

“I don’t agree with that. I think the President is wrong on that matter,” Gordon told reporters when sought for comment.

“You don’t have to leave your old friends that have been reliable, and not be totally be reliable just because you want to get a few things. That’s short-sightedness,” he said.

“It’s also incumbent upon us at the Senate to advice as a friend, not an ally, and tell him, ‘Boss, don’t get upset — but if you do, we can’t do anything — but what you’re doing is wrong.’ And I disagree with him on that,” he added.

Mr. Duterte has been issuing a series of verbal assaults on the US, the country’s biggest defense partner, while expressing preference for non-traditional allies such as China and Russia. In several speeches, he has used curse words while making reference to US President Barack Obama.

The President has also threatened to end the joint military exercises with the Americans despite standing defense treaties. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he was unsure of the President’s declaration as the Cabinet has not been consulted, and that a meeting on the matter is set in November.

READ: Duterte in China: PH gained little from US alliance

The US has been diplomatic in responding to Mr. Duterte’s statements, asserting that its ties with the Philippines remains strong.

Gordon said that a delegation of US congressional staffers visited his office on Tuesday night seeking clarification of the new administration’s policy. Previous administrations have been friendlier to the Americans.

“They are concerned with the policy. I told them not to worry and look at the acta (acts) not the verba (words),” he said.

“[I told them] this one is different. He is venting hurt feelings, but that doesn’t mean that’s policy,” Gordon said of his meeting with the Americans, in reference to President Duterte’s recollection of US atrocities against Filipinos during its 48-year occupation of the Philippines.

He said he also conveyed to the Americans that the US should not take the Philippines for granted.

“I told them, ‘You treat us fairly. You treat us with respect. I agree with the President that you have neglected the Philippines. Treat us not as primus inter pares or first among equals,’” he said. JE/rga

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