Alunan urges gov't to be careful in China deals, says nat'l interest must be advanced

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III on Tuesday called on the Philippine government to be cautious in entering into agreements with China amid territorial issues in the South China Sea.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV's "Ikaw Na Ba?" series of interviews with senatorial candidates, Alunan said Filipinos should keep in mind that the Asian superpower has deep interest in the resource-rich region.

"While we are pursing opportunities for economic development, we have to bear in mind na ang China has that core interest sa South China Sea... They have indisputable territory in the South China Sea. Ang gobyerno, they have to be very careful sa ilang negotiation sa China," Alunan said.

"Hinay-hinay... we have to be very careful..." he added.

Alunan acknowledged that China is one of the Philippines' partners in improving its economy. However, he pointed out that the government must still ensure the advancement of the nation's interest amid partnering with China in economic projects.

"'Yung China po is the largest economy in Asia and second in the world. Hindi natin puwedeng itabi 'yan. In fact it's our largest trading partner. Kung gusto nating ipababa ang ating kahirapan, we have to expand our economy...," Alunan said.

"What is important lang is bantayan ang ating national interest at all times but we should not run away from any opportunity to improve our economy," he added.

"Ang prinsipyo po natin at all times, we should always advance our national interest. Dapat 'yun ang nangunguna all the time," Alunan said.

In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s claim over most of the region.

The Duterte administration, however, set aside the ruling and chose to maintain warm ties with China as it believes that the country could be a partner for the Philippines' infrastructure and economic projects.

Alunan served as Interior and Local Government secretary during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, and Tourism secretary during the term of former President Corazon Aquino.

He also eyed a Senate seat during the 2016 Senate race but lost.

"I did not to win in 2016... I run to introduce myself to win in 2019...," he said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News