Lawmaker says back channel talks on sea dispute inadvisable

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker on Wednesday said that back channel negotiations should not be taking place in talks with China over the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“There should be no backchanneling. This issue should be settled immediately,”  said Representative Al Francis Bichara, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs.

He explained that Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, as an alter ego of President Benigno Aquino III, should be the one to officially pursue talks with China.

Having someone negotiate behind Del Rosario was inappropriate, said Bichara who added “we should settle this now because China is laughing at us.”

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City Representative Rodolfo Biazon said it is now up to President Benigno Aquino III to clarify whether he authorized Trillanes IV to act as a back channeller for the country in negotiating territorial disputes with China.