President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. MALACAÑANG FILE PHOTO / KING RODRIGUEZ
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte may mediate in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, should world leaders ask, Malacañang said Tuesday.
In a Palace press briefing, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar was asked for his reaction on the senatorial candidate and former Duterte mouthpiece Harry Roque’s statement that the president is a potential negotiator since he is friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Kung hihilingin po ‘yan ng mga world leaders, maaari naman po,” he responded.
(If it would be wished by world leaders, that can happen.)
However, Duterte has repeatedly said that the Philippines will remain neutral amid the crisis.
Chinese invasion
On the other hand, Andanar was likewise inquired what Duterte meant when the president said that there might be a Chinese invasion, should Putin resort to nuclear war.
In a Palace event on Monday, Duterte warned: “And if by unfortunate chance, perchance, talagang maipit si Putin at tusukin niya ‘yung pula na butones, ah wala na. Then my thinking is ‘pag mag ganoon ‘yan, ang China will invade.”
(And if by unfortunate chance, perchance, Putin will be cornered and he presses the red button, there’s nothing we can do. Then my thinking is, if that happens, China will invade.)
Andanar said that the chief executive’s remark is a personal assessment.
“The president’s remarks on the Chinese invasion is his personal assessment, we cannot second guess the president. Kaya (That is why) I will ask the president about that remark,” said Andanar.