MANILA – Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin questioned on Wednesday the sincerity of the government in severing ties with China.
This, after Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the government will break diplomatic ties with China if the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat is found to be intentional.
At the moment, Villarin told Bombo Radyo that Malacanang can’t afford to break relations with China as it is heavily indebted to Beijing for its public infrastructure programs, loans and investments.
The congressman added that President Rodrigo Duterte is beholden to Chinese leaders because of his personal relations with them.
However, if the government is serious about such talks, Villarin said, it should provide concrete steps like recalling all of the country’s diplomats in China, or unless “it’s all hot air.”
“If we turn a blind eye to this incident, Duterte might as well say that indeed China is our new colonial master,” said Villarin.
