MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang hopes that the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States will help reduce tension with China over the Spratlys.
Speaking to reporters after the Independence Day reception toast of President Aquino, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the pact may be invoked by the Philippines in any military problem.
“The relevant portion of that treaty is that the US has been our ally and they will come, and we expect na talagang kasama natin sila (they are with us) in any problem that will require their help,” he said.
“It’s a diplomatic problem, it’s a political and diplomatic issue, so we will solve it along those lines,” he said. “We don’t want to encourage anything that will exacerbate the issues there.”
He called for caution in handling the conflict, emphasizing that the issues involve international law and are being addressed diplomatically.
Ochoa said the National Security Council, which he chairs, has not yet convened to discuss the Spratlys issue, although all NSC members have been “in constant communication” with each other on the matter.
President Aquino hopes that dialogue and mutual respect could resolve the differences between the Philippines and China.
“Let us continue along this path, to create partnerships characterized by continued dialogue and a culture of mutual respect for our historic and current partners,” he said.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda has asked other claimants to refrain from issuing statements that may heighten tension.
“The Republic of the Philippines has stated its position on the various territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
“We are committed to dialogue with other claimants. We call on all parties to refrain from inflammatory statements that would make it more difficult to reach a mutually agreeable solution.”
He was specifically referring to the Reed Bank, a territory near Palawan declared by the Philippines as part of its territory.
“Our goal here is really a peaceful resolution, so it’s better for the parties to talk away from the cameras to have a better discussion,” he said.
Lacierda said Malacañang leaves it to the Department of National Defense to make the announcements regarding the measures being taken to protect the Philippine waters._
Philippine-China relations remain good, he added.
Lacierda said China and the Philippines believe that everything should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, Lacierda said.
“We believe in a multi-lateral approach on all the disputed areas including all the claimants in the South China Sea,” he said.
“We strongly believe that in our discussion with China, they are open and very hopeful for a peaceful resolution and this could be done diplomatically.”
Meanwhile, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. does not favor asking US help in the dispute over the Spratlys.
The war games with the US are not a show of force against China, he added.
In an interview after the 113th Independence Day rites in Malolos yesterday, Belmonte said the Philippines must sit down with other claimants.
“Right now, ang unang dapat gawin ay makasama ang iba pang claimants, di lang tayo, magkaisa tayo ng stand vis a vis China.” he said. (The first thing that needs to be done is to get together with other claimants and reach a common stand vis a vis China).
“I’m not in favor na tawagin ang Estados Unidos, kung may tatawagin tayo, magpulong pulong muna tayo, tawagin muna ang lahat ng claimants.” (Am not in favor of calling in the US. If we have to call someone let’s gather all the claimants first). —Delon Porcalla, Dino Balabo