A political analyst believes that Duterte’s remarks on Obama and US’ meddling on Philippine internal affairs can affect the Phil-US relations minimally.
A political analyst believes that the impact of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s statements on US President Barack Obama and the United States of America’s meddling with the domestic affairs of the Philippines can affect the relations between both countries minimally.
Mr. Ed Malay, former Chief of Staff of then-President Fidel V. Ramos and now a political analyst, when examined, Duterte’s point of argument is comprehensible where he has a point in chiding on the US’ having a ‘say’ on the affairs of the Philippines.
Malay believes that Pres. Duterte has already calculated his statements towards Obama.
The analyst also believes that the relationship between the Philippines and USA will not be easily tainted because both can help each other in addressing the security concerns on the territorial dispute across the West Philippine Sea.
Meanwhile, a member of the minority in the House of Representatives expressed apprehension on the possible negative effect of Duterte’s insult to Obama which resulted to the cancellation of their supposed to be first ever bilateral meeting.
Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat said that he understands Duterte’s grievances and why he does not want to be chided or advised by Obama regarding the series of extrajudicial killings across the country, especially on the issue on human rights violations in the course of the government’s strong campaign against illegal drugs.
But he emphasized that Duterte could have done his expression of grievances in a more peaceful manner.
Moreover, the lawmaker said that Obama deserves to be given a certain level of respect because he is the president of the country where the Philippines have the most trading partners.
Apart from this, Baguilat cited US large financial contribution by allowing its tourists visit the Philippines since Obama assumed presidency.
He also said the US is one of the Philippines’ allies when it comes to the issue on terrorism.
READ ALSO: President Duterte On Cancelled Obama Meeting: ‘I Regret’.