AFP in state of confusion over Duterte defense policy shift, solon claims

From GMA News (Oct 18): AFP in state of confusion over Duterte defense policy shift, solon claims

A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday claimed the Armed Forces of the Philippines is currently in a state of "confusion" amid President Duterte's public pronouncements about China and the US.

In a media briefing, Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, who belongs to the "Magnificent 7" minority bloc, said he agreed with a Social Weather Station survey showing that the Philippines still trusts the US more than China.

He said these sentiments toward the US and China can be seen especially in the military.

"Nararamdman ho natin na there is confusion actually in the Armed Forces right now [over] the apparent shift, defense policy shift of this administration from US to China," said Alejano, a former Marine captain in the military.

The lawmaker noted Duterte's sudden fondness over strengthening ties with China, despite having a territorial row with it over the West Philippine Sea, on one hand, and the President's tirades against the Philippines' long-time allies like the US and the European Union on the other.

"For the longest time, mayron tayong different exercises with the US. Ang ating defense strategy is actually intertwined with that of the US," said Alejano.

Alejano said Filipino soldiers have been trained to fight "perceived enemies" who might threaten Philippine sovereignty.

"Before, the exercises were designed to raise the skills level ng mga sundalo. Ngayon, ang exercises nila ay designed sa perceived enemy... like ito, invasion from China. Nakatutok na exercise nila doon," said the lawmaker.

"Eh ngayon from an external security threat, naging mabait, magaan ho tayo doon sa China," Alejano added.

He said that Duterte's plan to purchase hardware from China and Russia would have a "strategic impact" on the Philippine armed forces. "Ang gamit, doktrina, exercises natin, naka-align sa ating allies," he said.

"If you shift that to China, mabubulabog lahat. Training [and] education ng Armed Forces. Kaya mayroon ngang confusion and pag-aalinlangan," he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. earlier said the shift in foreign policy was because “America has failed us.” 

"This has also compelled him to realign our foreign policy towards an independent track in pursuing the overriding national interest and in upholding and protecting our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Yasay said.

'Caught in a trap'

For his part, Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin cautioned the President against being too close with China.

"Do you remember the story of the spider enticing the fly, spinning his silky web and the poor fly was caught in the trap? We don't want to get caught in a trio going to China," he said.

Villarin said Duterte should in fact invoke the Philippine claim over the West Philippine Sea through the favorable international arbitral decision, which the lawmaker said had given the Philippines a "moral high ground."

Alejano said lamented how Duterte's actions seemed to be "weakening" the arbitral decision. "We can use that [ruling] to build a consensus among nations. I don't believe China will not pursue their interest in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman echoed the sentiments of his colleagues in the "Magnificent 7."

"Philippine sovereignty is not made in China. It is made and ingrained in our Constitution and simply upheld by the arbitral decision," he said.

Lagman also hit the Duterte administration for its "flawed" priorities, saying the government remains focused on fighting illegal drugs despite a recent survey showing that salary and job creation are the Filipinos' top concerns.

"The present administration should be able to heed what the people demand to be resolved and solved, to be addressed," said Lagman.

"That's really a popular advice to the presidency. Incidentally, I think the complexion of diplomacy is 'polygamy,'" he added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/585454/news/nation/afp-in-state-of-confusion-over-duterte-defense-policy-shift-solon-claims