Senator calls for diplomacy on Spratlys issue

MANILA, Philippines -  Admitting that the Philippines is weak in its defense stature compared to China, Sen. Franklin Drilon urged Malacañang yesterday to continue dealing with the Spratlys issue in a diplomatic way.

Drilon made the statement following reports that the defense department, through the Philippine ambassador to the United States, has started shopping for defense equipment in the US.

He said the new acquisition does not need congressional approval since the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has its own modernization budget, and if not, unprogrammed funds in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) can be tapped.

Nonetheless, Drilon said he is against using the government’s available loans for the purchase of arms.

“We should not have an arms race with China. We do not have to be an expert in foreign relations to conclude that we cannot fight with them. For me, the Spratlys issue should be discussed through multilateral venues,” Drilon said over dzBB radio.

Drilon, who was justice secretary during the term of the late former President Corazon Aquino, said all the countries who have claims over the Spratly Islands should come to an agreement through diplomatic means.

“We have to stand firm and get our neighbors to come up with a common stand. We cannot engage in an arms race. We have no chance against China,” the senator said, adding that the Philippines should “not add to the irritation anymore” by announcing that it is buying equipment from the US.

Meanwhile, Drilon doused yesterday the reported opposition to the Palace’s move to appoint Domingo Lee as Philippine ambassador to China.

He said the concerns about Lee’s fitness and integrity should be brought to the Commission on Appointments (CA).

According to Drilon, Lee is a known family friend of former President Cory Aquino and her slain husband, Sen. Ninoy Aquino.

“I know him but I have not talked to him for a long time. I have not seen him for a long time. He is a friend of the family of Cory and Ninoy. But I really haven’t sat down with him to discuss China,” he said.

The senator highlighted the need for the Philippines to put a qualified ambassador to China, especially amid talks about the Spratlys dispute.