REP. Harry Roque welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s espousal of an independent foreign policy, but he expressed deep concern over his “undiplomatic language that may unnecessarily cause diplomatic wrinkles, much like the cancellation of his bilateral talks with President [Barack] Obama.”
“An independent foreign policy need not result in the disturbance of friendly relations with our traditional allies,” Roque said.
“Talk about starting off on the wrong foot,” Senator Franklin Drilon said on the cancellation of the meeting between Duterte and Obama following Duterte’s calling Obama a “son of a whore.”
“We must remember that our foreign policy is shaped in accordance with our national interest. Unfriendly rhetoric and undiplomatic statements will not bring us anywhere,” Drilon said.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the canceled meeting with Obama was a missed opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ ties with an important ally, though he supported Duterte’s aggressive assertion of Philippine independence.
Senator JV Ejercito said the rift caused by Duterte could be remedied very soon since the US and the Philippines were long-time allies.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said any statement spoken by a country’s leader was always construed as a policy statement.
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said the very strong relationship between the US and the Philippines would not be weakened just because of Duterte’s wayward remarks.
Reps. Raul Daza, Edgar Erice and Gary Alejano voiced concern over Duterte’s remarks.
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Retired Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and former permanent representative to the United Nations for the Philippines Lauro Baja Jr., and China expert Chito Sta. Romana said the cancellation of the meeting between Duterte and Obama was an unfortunate event.
