THE House investigation into the alleged secret deal of the Duterte administration with China over the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea has recently started.
Those who attended included former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
However, for Foreign Policy & Security Analyst Professor Lucio Blanco Pitlo, the investigation is unusual, especially since it concerns foreign policy.
What’s the reason behind the Marcos government bringing up former President Rodrigo Duterte’s actions with China?
“It could be because the mid-term elections are coming next year, and we know about the political feud between Marcos and Duterte,” Lucio Blanco Pitlo III Foreign Policy & Security Analyst said.
When Duterte succeeded former President Noynoy Aquino, no investigation was conducted regarding Aquino’s foreign policy.
But with the current showdown between Duterte and Marcos, Pitlo says even the country’s foreign policy is being dragged into it.
“The Duterte administration’s policies were different from the current Marcos Government regarding the West Philippine Sea and China,” he added.
Pitlo sees nothing wrong with the Duterte government’s efforts to ease tensions over the disputed territories.
Something the current administration should consider.
“Since we are one country, one government… we should also consider that as an actor, we need a sense of continuity,” he said.
Currently, most government programs related to Duterte are being replaced or stopped.
This is part of the branding of each administration.
However, Pitlo hopes for a long-term policy in the country’s foreign affairs.
A policy that future administrations can follow and enhance.
“Maybe, we should also protect our credibility and reputation as an actor that keeps its word,”Lucio Blanco Pitlo III said.
