Gordon hits cutting ties with US

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte is wrong in wanting to cut ties with the United States as a treaty ally of the country, according to Sen. Richard Gordon.

Reacting to the President’s saying goodbye to the United States during his state visit in China yesterday, Gordon said it would be a mistake to take this course.

“I don’t agree with that,” Gordon said. “I think the President is wrong on that matter. You don’t leave your old friends who have been reliable. They may not be totally reliable, just because you want to get a few things. That’s short-sightedness.”

Gordon said he met the other day with some representatives of American legislators, who aired their concern about the country’s policies as stated by Duterte.

He said the Americans were trying to get a grasp of what was happening in the country under the new administration and how to deal with what appears to be a problem brewing between the two countries.

Gordon said he advised them to ignore the noise and listen to what the President is actually trying to say.

“I told them not to worry and to look at the acts and not the words. I told them that he is different. He tends to air his grievances, but it doesn’t mean that this is policy,” he said.

Gordon added that the President missed an opportunity during his meeting with Chinese officials by not bringing up the West Philippine Sea issue.