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Cayetano: Don’t judge Duterte over VFA remarks

By JOAHNA LEI CASILAO,GMA News

Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday urged the public to refrain from judging President Rodrigo Duterte after the latter asked for payment from the United States government in relation to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“Huwag nating i-judge ang Pangulo, the way he says it. Actually, many Presidents have said the same thing, that if you want to be in the Philippines, what’s in it for us?” Cayetano said in a statement.

“Kasi kailangan nating isipin ang Pilipino. Ang kaibahan kay President Duterte, pino-point out n’ya na umiinit po ang relationship o ang mga hindi pagkakasundo ng China at saka ng US,” he added.

On February 12, Duterte said the US Government must pay if they want the VFA as it is a “shared responsibility,” later adding that the US’ share of responsibility does not come free as everyone pays when war breaks out.

The VFA allows American forces to hold joint military exercises, counterintelligence training, and engage in humanitarian aid missions with their Filipino counterparts.

Duterte ordered the abrogation of the VFA after the US revoked the visa of his close aide and former police chief now senator, Ronald Dela Rosa. The abrogation was later suspended "in light of political and other developments in the region."

Meanwhile, Cayetano said the Philippines must think about its own interests as both China and the United States are acting for their interests.

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“Ang US, although naglalagay po ng security forces sa ibang parte ng mundo, ‘yung interes nila ang inuuna rin nila. Gan’on din po ang China,” he said.

“‘Wag nating sabihing ang ginagawa ng China lalo po sa West Philippine Sea ay para sa ibang tao – para sa China ‘yon. So ang kailangang isipin natin, interes ng Pilipinas,” he added.

The former house speaker also asked the public to trust the country’s diplomats.

“Ang mga diplomats, may marching orders na ‘yan . I’m sure that we can get the best deal for the Filipino people basta bigyan natin ng full support ang mga diplomats natin,” he said.

Vice President Leni Robredo has said that Duterte’s attempt to seek payment from the United States in exchange for the resumption of the VFA was similar to extortion.

Duterte replied that the Americans are fortifying their foothold in Subic, slowly converting the once military hub into a base anew, which could put the Philippines in the center of conflict should it erupt.

“Pagkaalam ni Robredo, nothing’s wrong with America and the Philippines. Ikaw ma’am, I’m sorry to say you are not really qualified to run for president, you do not know your role in this government,” Duterte added.  -- BAP, GMA News