Congressional inquiry into FPRRD’s foreign policy could harm future presidents—political strategist

Congressional inquiry into FPRRD’s foreign policy could harm future presidents—political strategist

THE House of Representatives plans to investigate the so-called gentleman’s agreement between former President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

This inquiry is connected to the rising tensions between the Philippines and China due to the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

However, the said investigation- according to political strategist Prof. Malou Tiquia- could have repercussions for future presidents of the country.

“That resolution is not appropriate. Because it sets a bad precedent since the architect of foreign policy is the president. It’s not just Duterte. Previous and succeeding. So, do we want, after President Marcos’ term? For him to also be scrutinized for all foreign policy decisions?” Prof. Malou Tiquia, Political Strategist stated.

Prof. Tiquia is questioning the intent and underlying purpose of the investigation.

“What is ‘in aid of legislation’? Are we going to create a Republic Act on foreign policy that will bind the hands of the next president?” Tiquia added.

House Resolution No. 1684 by Congressman Jefferson Khonghun is also criticized, as it appears to have a biased judgment.

Based on the timeline of the conflicts in the disputed territory, it all started during the administration of former President Noynoy Aquino.

Former President Duterte had earlier asserted that there was no “gentleman’s agreement” during his administration.

“The only thing I remember was that status quo, that’s the word na walang galawan, no movement, no arm patrols there, as is where is para walang magkagulo. Hindi tayo magkagulo. ‘Yun ang naalala ko, wala akong… There’s a word, I did not… the Ayungin Shoal,” stated Rodrigo Roa Duterte – Former Philippine President.

For Prof. Tiquia, politics remains the root of all the accusations against Duterte regarding tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

” I call this—at this early, is that it’s all about politics. You hit FPRRD, you hit the VP [Vice Pres. Sara Duterte], you hit former president Duterte on China you establish what they wanted to be frame has the Duterte being for China. And I think that is very unfair,” Tiquia stressed.

Instead of focusing the investigation on former President Duterte, the political strategist suggests that it would be better if lawmakers invited former officials of the Aquino administration involved in the WPS issue to clarify the matter.

 

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