Palace reiterates peaceful resolution to Spratlys row but dangles US card

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang has reiterated its commitment to the resolution of the Spratlys dispute with China and other claimants “in the most diplomatic and most peaceful way possible” but did not discount the possibility of US involvement if the situation would worsen.

“Hopefully, it doesn’t get to that point because, again, we are committed to the resolution of the issue in the most diplomatic and the most peaceful way possible,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on radio Saturday.

Valte said the issue of the dispute would likely be taken up when Armed Forces Chief Eduardo Oban meets with US officials.

“One way or the other that would be taken up,” Valte said.

While admitting that she hasn’t seen the terms of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty, Valte said she knew that as an ally, the US would help if the situation over the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea (formerly South China Sea) deteriorated.