Calida throws ‘shade’ at critics of Duterte-China ‘friendship’

MANILA, Philippines — Interlopers “who probably want to be President” are, according to Solicitor General Jose Calida, the critics of President Rodrigo Duterte’s policy in favor of China.

The Duterte administration has maintained friendly relations with China despite its continuous activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Duterte defended its policy by saying it would be suicide if the country would go to war against China.

But Supreme Court’s Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said there are several ways in which the country can enforce the Arbitral ruling without going to war. He specifically presented nine options.

READ: SC Justice Carpio to Duterte: Here are non-war options to enforce WPS arbitral ruling

But Calida, in an interview over CNN Philippines said, “This is a matter of foreign relations and under our laws and Constitution, the chief architect of foreign policy is President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and not any interloper who probably wants to be President.” 

“He should be President before he contests what the chief architect of foreign policy is doing. And I think you know who that person is,” Calida said, referring to Carpio.

Sought for comment, Carpio said, “The last time I checked, freedom of expression is still enshrined in our Constitution.” /je