PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he was about to cross a “point of no return” in terms of the Philippines’ relationship with it’s long-term ally the United States, and also insisted he was not afraid of any credit downgrades as a result of his war on illegal drugs.
“I’m about to cross the Rubicon between me and the United States at least for six years. I would need your help and everything: trade, commerce and I will open up,” he said referring to his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Mevdevev at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
Duterte made his statement even as Foreign Affairs on Monday said the Philippines was looking at the possibility of buying military equipment and technology from Russia, contrary to a previous report that Moscow planned to donate defense equipment to Manila or to provide them on loan.
“We have been briefed on the different modes of financing, but there have been no discussions on donating or lending military equipment or technology,” Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta said.
In Malacañang, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said Duterte was ready to discuss the South China Sea dispute if the issue came up during his two-day visit to Vietnam on Wednesday and Thursday.
”The President will be prepared to discuss the South China Sea issue,” Jose said.
If ever the WPS issue was raised, the discussion would be in the context of emphasizing the need to pursue peace, stability and security in the region, he said.
”It will also be in the context of reaffirming our firm commitment to the peaceful settlement of the dispute and adherence to the rule of law.”
Responding to a statement by credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s last week that the country would not likely have a rating upgrade in the next two years because of Duterte’s unpredictability, the President said he didn’t mind about the implications and that he would run to China and Russia to sustain the country’s economy.
“I can always establish another alliance. I will establish alliances with China and Russia,” Duterte said in another speech.
Duterte, who is set to visit China next month, said that he “will open up all avenues of trade and commerce” between the two countries.
He added that while he could not amend the Constitution right now, he would offer years of lease to attract Chinese investors.
“They can come in and then I can give them 60 years plus another 60 years,” Duterte said.
The President had earlier said he wanted to buy arms from Russia and China after the two countries enticed him with attractive loan offers to buy military armaments that he wanted to fight terrorism and the insurgency in the country’s south.
