Robredo balks at Duterte, Lorenzana cowering for fear of China

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday expressed her disappointment with President Rodrigo Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana over their supposed fear of China in the face of sea dispute. 

In her radio program, Robredo pointed out that the Philippines is only fighting for its rights in the disputed territory in the West Philippine Sea and not necessarily picking a fight with China.

“Parang mapapabuntong hininga ka na lang nang napakalalim kapag nabasa mo iyong statement ni Presidente, ni Secretary Lorenzana,” she said.

“Parati nating sinasabi na pinahahalagahan natin iyong sarili nating... ‘di ba, iyong sarili nating kasarinlan. Hindi puwedeng iyong desisyon natin, dahil natatakot tayo sa iba,” she added.

Recently, Duterte said he could ill-afford to confront China lest the Philippines faced consequences it wouldn't be able to handle.

"I cannot be brave in the mouth against China because we are avoiding any confrontation that would lead to something that we can hardly afford, at least, at this time,” Duterte said.

Earlier, Lorenzana said the Philippines should not be made to choose between the US and China amid the two powerful nations' rivalry.

"We also have to nurture our relationship with China as a very close neighbor and we have a lot of engagement with them,” Lorenzana said.

"We cannot choose between the two. We should not be made to choose between supporting the US or supporting China,” he added.

Robredo pointed out the obligation of Duterte and Lorenzana to protect the Filipinos.

“Nakakalungkot, nakakalungkot iyong nabasa na hindi tayo gagalaw kasi takot tayo at pinapanood tayo ng China. Ano ba naman iyon?” Robredo said. —LBG, GMA News