A veteran senator reckoned on Saturday, Aug. 6 that the Philippines has to be friends with everybody – with China, United States (US), Russia, Taiwan, and other countries.
‘’Unang una kailangan maging neutral tayo (In the first place, we have to be neutral), Di natin pwedeng banggain ang dalawang super powers ang China at US (We cannot go against two super powers – China and US),’’ Senator Jose ‘’Jinggoy’’ Estrada said, adding that this is a good foreign policy.
The recent visit by US Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan angered China, which considered Taiwan as a renegade province. Russia also did not agree with the Pelosi trip to Taiwan.
Estrada pointed out that Taiwan is near the Philippines and that there are many Filipinos in Taiwan.
‘’That is one thing that I am worried about,’’ he added.
Estrada said that he is praying that the situation in Taiwan would not deteriorate because it is not only the Philippines, but the whole world that would be affected if China and the US fight each other.
He emphasized that the Philippines should respect the "One-China Policy" which means that it recognizes China’s position that Taiwan is its province.
‘’We are a signatory to that. We always adhere to the consternation of the Taiwanese government, China is conducting live fire military drills near Taiwan.
As chairman of the Senate National Defense Committee, Estrada said he had scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday on the Taiwan situation.
He said he has called concerned military officers for a briefing ‘’Kung ano talaga ang nangyayari on the ground (About what is happening on the ground).’’
Asked who were summoned to appear, Estrada replied: ‘’Pinatawag ko silang lahat yung mga dapat ipatawag (I called who are needed to appear).’’