Consolidating Philippines’ economic strength vital

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated tirades have raised a wave of worry for the United States. The firebrand leader recently remarked that his country would “separate” from the US. Later, however, he clarified his comment and said he did not plan to sever the nation’s seven-decade alliance with America. For some time now, Duterte has been cozying up to China and has lavishly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many feel that his overtures are putting the foreign policy of his country in utter confusion. Experts believe that such a
U-turn in Philippines’ policy could create a climate of uncertainty in the business circles, as it is being closely watched by the trading fraternity.
Duterte’s rhetoric and antagonistic stance towards the US have also thrown America’s Philippines pivot into disarray. In 2014, the US and the Philippines had inked a defence pact and conducted a series of joint military exercises. Before the newfound bonhomie with China, when Manila dragged Beijing to court after the Asian giant seized control of Scarborough Shoal — a fishing ground in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone —the US had extended the Philippines diplomatic support. Now, Duterte has suspended joint US-Philippines patrols in the South China Sea and might end the joint drills too.
On October 20, Duterte and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping vowed to enhance their friendship. They oversaw the signing of 13 bilateral pacts on business, infrastructure and agriculture. Beijing has offered the Philippines a $9 billion soft loan for development projects. About $15 million of this will go into drug rehabilitation programmes. Interestingly, the US has accused Duterte of spearheading a war on drug and crime, which has left 3,600 people and raised fears of extrajudicial murders too. US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel met with the Philippines’ defence and foreign ministers on Monday. Referring to Duterte’s comments, he cautioned the growing concern that these have created in different communities as well as corporate boardrooms. Russel’s caution needs to be heeded.
While Duterte rebalances diplomacy with China and Russia, he shouldn’t give the US a short shrift. The US is the biggest trading partner — after China — for the Philippines. Although he might be at odds with America, he must be careful of the ramifications that his remarks might unleash.
Economic alliance with China and Russia can be forged even without denouncing the US. The Philippines can integrate with its neighbours without damaging its
relations with the US or the West.
Perhaps what Duterte meant when he said “separation” from the US was breaking the dependence with America. It is always good to be self-reliant. Duterte has to bring around economic reliance and development in the country and the road is fraught with challenges. His predecessor Benigno Aquino has given him a strong ground to build on. Duterte needs to consolidate this strength. That’s most crucial for him. The Philippines is an emerging economy. It needs a strong person like Duterte to lead from the front. While taking an independent line on foreign policy and economic affairs, the president should make more partners in progress.
The US-Philippines relationship has a long history. Both know it well. And therefore, they need to sit together and keep the bigger picture in perspective!