It’s now high time for President Duterte to choose between “two masters” - the Philippines or China, Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand said on Thursday, April 29.

Gaite chided Duterte for saying the other day that although Philippines “is greatly indebted to China”, he will order military vessels to remain in the West Philippine sea where Chinese militia have made an imposing presence.

"Duterte is desperately trying to show that he's able to serve two masters—Philippines and China, but it's very clear who he is really devoted to, and sadly it is not his own country. He tried to talk tough when he called on our soldiers to maintain their positions, but eventually prostrates to his Chinese masters," said Gaite in a statement.

Referring to China as a “good friend”, Duterte noted that Philippines is in “great debt” to the Chinese government for sending huge donations of COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines.

However, the chief executive declared that he cannot compromise the sovereignty of his country over the West Philippine Sea territorial claims.

Gaite did not buy Duterte’s position, describing it as “doublethinking and doublespeaking.” “One cannot strongly assert our sovereignty and at the same time consider as a dear friend, as someone your are greatly indebted to those who blatantly trample on it. Doble-kara yan. Umaastang matapang, pero takot na takot naman talaga sa mga amo nya sa Beijing, (
He’s two-faced. He takes a courageous posture but he actually fear his bosses in Beijing), Gaite said.

"Duterte is saying that we should wait for China's next action. What action is he still waiting for?,” he noted.

“They are already in our territory. Is he waiting for them to build more structures, to deploy more ships, to have the Chinese flags planted on each one of our islands? Is he waiting until it is really too late to assert our ownership? Quite frankly, Duterte's strategy of waiting is a strategy of slow surrender," Gaite stated.

The opposition lawmaker clarified, however, that he is against war as a solution to the issue. He pointed out that Vietnam and Indonesia have “effectively asserted their claims without going to war.” According to him seeking the United Nation’s help in resolving the controversy remains the best way the Philippines can pursue its victory in the Arbitral Court.

“There are other peaceful ways to assert our claims. Ang problema ayaw itong gawin, kaya niloloko at tinatakot tayo sa prospect ng giyera. (The problem is they do not want to do this so they have resorted in fooling and scaring us about the prospects of war), It’s a lie that Duterte is repeating to cover up his refusal to assert our sovereignty and territory," Gaite said.