By NG Seruela
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said there is no reason to be “rude and disrespectful” despite the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China, which he called the country’s “benefactor.”
In his weekly public address on Monday night (May 3), he said: “China remains to be our benefactor…Just because we have a conflict with China does not mean to say that we have to be rude and disrespectful. As a matter of fact, we have many things to thank China for — the help in the past, and itong mga tulong nila ngayon.”
He said he asked China to “allow the [Filipino] fishermen to fish in peace” because it is their only means to survive. He assured that there is no reason for trouble, and if there is trouble, China may call the Philippines’ attention to “immediately solve the problem.”
“Pero ako nga sabi ko kay — wala naman tayong away at ‘yong — hayaan lang ninyo ‘yong mga mangingisda kasi ang tao kumakain. Itong China, I know that it’s yours, according to you. I’ve heard that several times. But you know, you must also have heard of the fact that people are hungry, ang Pilipino ay gutom, and you are not oblivious to that fact, so kindly just allow our fishermen to fish in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive clarified that he never promised Filipinos that he would “retake the West Philippine Sea” in his campaign as president.
“I never, never in my campaign as president promised the people that I would retake the West Philippine Sea. I did not promise that I would pressure China. I never mentioned about China and the Philippines in my campaign because that was a very serious matter,” he said.
“I never promised anything. Just because I’m President, gusto ninyo makipag-away ako. Walang kuwestiyon ‘yan. Maski ngayon mayroon tayong barko diyan ngayon sa ano …sabi ko, stay put kayo,” he added. -jlo
