The US government's move to halt foreign assistance has exposed the "true nature" of its relations with the Philippines, former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said Monday, Jan. 17.

Zarate criticized Washington after President Donald Trump suspended foreign assistance right after assuming his position for his second term. 

Trump's move, according to Zarate, "only clearly demonstrates how the US prioritizes its own hegemonic interests over its so-called allies".

"Thanks, but, no thanks! This US global aid freeze only confirms what we have long been saying—that the US is only after its own imperial interests," he said in a statement.

"Malinaw na malinaw na ang Amerika ay para sa makasariling nito lamang at hindi para sa mga bansang katulad ng Pilipinas na ginagamit lang nito (It is clear that the US only thinks of itself and not of other countries, like the Philippines, which it is merely using)," he added.

Zarate cited US Trump's top defense official for Southeast Asia, who reportedly suggested that "The US might begin a cooperation spiral with China by proposing to remove US military forces or weapons systems from the Philippines in exchange for the CCG executing fewer patrols."

"This statement is a smoking gun. Ginagamit lang tayo ng US bilang bargaining chip sa kanilang pakikipag-negotiate sa China (The US is only using the Philippines as a bargaining chip for its negotiations with China).

"The Philippines must stop being a pawn in the US' geopolitical games," he said.

He also said that such a development should serve as a wake-up call for the Philippine government to pursue genuine independent foreign policy.

"Hindi dapat tayo maging pulubi sa harap ng mga dayuhang kapangyarihan (We should not appear as paupers before powerful nations). We must stand on our own feet and implement a truly independent foreign policy that serves the Filipino people's interests first and foremost," he said.

"The choice is clear - we either continue being subservient to foreign powers or chart our own path towards genuine independence and development. Panahon na para ipaglaban ang tunay na kalayaan at kasarinlan ng ating bansa (It's about time that we fight for our own independence and sovereignty)," he said.