FORMER Presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque stressed that diplomacy is an alternative solution to resolve tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Roque made the remarks on SMNI’s program, Pulso ng Bayan, regarding some government officials urging Filipinos to express their anger toward China.
‘‘Well, should we really encourage Filipinos to express their anger toward China? But what’s the alternative? The alternative, however, does have a solution. It’s diplomacy; utilizing our seasoned envoy Jaime Flor Cruz, who was appointed by our President as an Ambassador to China because he is a four-decade veteran journalist and well-known to everyone in China,” according to Atty. Harry Roque, Former Presidential Spokesperson.
Roque further stated that what is needed in such situations is an understanding of China’s mindset and policies.
Due to the Philippines’ vocal criticism of China, the country is receiving relatively less investment compared to other neighboring countries of the latter.
‘‘We are currently receiving the smallest capital from China. Vietnam may be vocal, but they understand how the Chinese think, which is why they still receive significant investments even when they raise their voices in contested territories. Perhaps, in the next program, we will break down how much Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia receive [from China], and you will see that the Philippines is getting relatively little. Why? Because we consider the Americans as our friends. What are we gaining from them [Americans] now?’’ Atty. Roque said.
Roque also mentioned that in the history of the Philippines and China, there has never been any occupation.
‘‘We’ve been investing for a very long time, not investing in doing business with China, and that is our interest. Because our interest is not war but having more food on the tables of Filipinos. That should be the policy of the Philippines. Where [Philippines] benefits, where the standard of living can be raised, and please don’t say that when we say ‘we don’t want war, we want to be friends, especially with our second-richest neighbor in the world,’ you are a traitor. Please don’t do that. In democracy, that’s what we truly avoid, the philosophy and thinking that only a few have a monopoly on solutions to our problems,’’ Roque added.
To recall, the Department of National Defense (DND) urged Filipinos to unite in defending the Philippine Constitution regarding the tension in the West Philippine Sea.
