Despite Duterte's clarification, senators still worried over 'separate' foreign policy

Despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s clarification that the Philippines will not cut its diplomatic ties with the United States, some senators still raised their concerns over the administration's "separate” foreign policy.

Senator Leila De Lima argued that strong diplomatic ties will only stand if the military, economic and human rights interests between two states are all pursued.

“What does that even mean?... What's the point of maintaining diplomatic ties if you're leaving out military and economic cooperation out of the agenda? And vice versa?” De Lima told GMA News Online.

“Obviously, lalong wala s'yang interest to align our foreign policy on the morals/justice/human rights plane with the US, as he prefers to "ideologically align" himself with China and Russia. It's like saying you're maintaining a bridge that leads to nowhere,” De Lima added.

In a news conference upon his arrival from a four-day state visit in Beijing, Duterte said his declaration of an economic and military split with the US was about no longer following the superpower's supposed dictates rather than a severance of relationships.

"What I mean was a separation of foreign policy... In the past we always follow what the US will give the cue," Duterte said.

However, De Lima said that given his often confusing statements, the president is endangering the nation’s interests.

She said Duterte has no absolute power over the country’s foreign policies, even if he is the highest official of the land.

“Sa dami ng mga pinirmahan at niratipika na nating mga Treaties at International Conventions, hindi n'ya pwedeng basta-basta bawiin nang walang pahintulot ng Kongreso,” De Lima said.

“It's time that the President is reminded he is not god. His power emanates from the Constitution. Irespeto at sundin niya iyon tulad ng ipinangako niya,” she added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros shared the same view, saying an independent foreign policy must uphold the principles of human rights and must serve the interest of the Filipinos.

“He missed the chance to represent the collective aspirations and independence of the Filipino people. Behind President Duterte's fiery anti-west rhetoric is a confused foreign policy riddled with contradictions,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

She encouraged the president to conduct further discussions with stakeholders to iron out the foreign policy.

“An extremely important matter such as this simply cannot be left to the mere judgment of one man alone,” she said.

Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito reiterated his concern over the implications of this policy on the country’s economy.

“I am concerned specially on the economic backlash. The US is still the biggest trading partner of the Philippines and also the BPOs which employ about a million Filipinos is a cause for concern,” Ejercito said.

“We could pursue an independent foreign policy without necessarily cutting ties with the US,” he added.

For Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the policy became much clearer after Duterte’s clarification.

“This policy is consistent with the independent foreign policy track that our president wants to pursue,” Gatchalian told GMA News Online.

Contrary to what Ejercito said, Gatchalian believes that the “separation” policy will not cause a big impact on the the country’s economy.

“I call this a '1+2' formula where in US + China will enhance our economic growth faster. With the sheer size China and it's proximity, we will definitely benefit from an improved trade relations,” he said. — VVP, GMA News