‘UTANG NA LOOB’ | Amid maritime dispute, Duterte says Philippines owes ‘good friend’ China

April 29, 2021 , 10:59 AM

(April 29, 2021) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday reiterated that the country owes China after donating COVID-19 vaccines, adding the world power is a “good friend” despite the increasing maritime conflict in the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte maintained his friendly stance, saying there’s no way the Philippines would want to antagonize China further, especially after the concessions given to the country in recent years.

“I’m stating it for the record, we do not want war with China. China is a good friend. Mayroon tayong utang na loob na marami, pati ’yung bakuna natin. So China, let it be known, is a good friend, and we do not want trouble with them, especially a war,” said Duterte in his weekly public address.

Even before the recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea, lawmakers already raised concerns about China’s “vaccine diplomacy,” warning the government about the possible consequences on the country’s territorial claims in the disputed waters.

“Mahirap na kung sasabihing tayo ay BFFs (best friends forever), may special relationship. Baka mamaya mayroon na namang palusutin na hindi dapat in terms of (COVID-19) vaccines, for national interest, or vaccines for West Philippine Sea territory,” said Sen. Risa Hontiveros last January 25.

Last month, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez pointed out that incursions in the country’s maritime territories were reported just days after the first batch of Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine doses arrived in the Philippines, raising alarm that there might have been an “exchange” of marine resources for vaccines.

Around three million of the 3.5 million COVID-19 vaccines available in the country were donated by China.

Duterte, however, clarified that despite his friendship with China, he’s not willing to give up the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

“There are things which are not really subject to a compromise. I hope they (China) will understand, but I have the interest of my country also to protect. It might not really be an armed might, but it is really a claim of sovereignty which I cannot (impose yet),” said Duterte.

China on Monday ordered the Philippines to halt exercises in the West Philippine Sea, following the increased patrol of the country’s maritime authorities.

“We urge the relevant side (Philippines) to respect China’s sovereignty and rights and interests, and stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes,” said China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin in a press conference.

Duterte reemphasized his stance that should the country want to reclaim territories in the West Philippine Sea, it will have to be through force.

“Kaya I have a choice of going to war, mamamatay tayong lahat kasi wala talaga tayong armas na or I will just send my soldiers to hell which I will never do. Hindi ko ipalaban ’yang mga sundalo ko. Kailangan kung may laban, manalo tayo,” said Duterte.

Duterte earlier said “wala mangyayari” even if he personally addresses the maritime issue with China.

(Kiko Demigillo/PM)

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