RP envoy hits Pimentel proposal to seek ‘quid pro quo’ for support to US

WASHINGTON — It is inappropriate, if not gauche, for the Philippines to demand a quid pro quo for assisting the United States in its hour of need, Ambassador to Washington Alberto del Rosario said yesterday.

Del Rosario was commenting on Sen. Aquilino Pimentel’s suggestion last Sunday that the Arroyo administration seek compensation and other concessions from the US if it requests the use of Philippine bases, ports, airfields and other facilities for US ships and planes bound for Iraq.

In an interview with The STAR, Del Rosario said he was working to build a "quality partnership" with the US to move away from a transactional relationship between the two countries.

"I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss a quid pro quo when a treaty ally is in need of our support," Del Rosario said, adding that "the quality of friendship being what it is, I think there will be reciprocity."

Del Rosario dismissed allegations that Washington is taking Manila for granted, saying "it is quite clear the US has been supportive of the Philippines in comprehensive ways in many areas such as defense and security, trade, investments and tourism."

"It’s a very comprehensive cooperation and partnership we have with the United States," he said.

The envoy added that he expected US aid to the Philippines this year to at least equal, if not exceed, the $125 million it gave Manila last year.

As one of about 45 countries that publicly support US efforts to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, the Philippines will play a peacekeeping role in postwar Iraq.

Del Rosario said the Philippines plans to send up to 200 armed police volunteers to Iraq, some administrators, plus a medical contingent of doctors and nurses. Details of where and when they will be sent and their actual numbers and funding are still being worked out with US officials.

The envoy said President Arroyo’s state visit to the US will likely take place in late April or early May, but certainly before June 1, when Blair House – the state guest house – will undergo refurbishing. Her state visit was originally scheduled for April 2 but was postponed at her request because of security problems in Mindanao.

Assuming the Iraq war would be over by the time Mrs. Arroyo pays a visit, the state dinner that US President George W. Bush will give in her honor could very well be the social event of the year in Washington.

Mrs. Arroyo is only the third foreign leader to be invited for a state visit by Bush, after Mexican President Vicente Fox in 2001 and Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski in 2002.

Earlier, Pimentel said the Philippines was entitled to aid in the same way Pakistan received aid for helping in the US-led war on terrorism, and Turkey as well for allowing US military overflights.

Pimentel and Sen. Manuel Villar, chairman of the Senate committee on foreign relations, criticized Malacañang for unilaterally offering assistance in the absence of a US request. If a request is made, Pimentel said it should pass prior congressional scrutiny and approval.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople had said the government would allow the US to use local facilities if there is a formal request following the Arroyo administration’s decision to join a US-led "coalition of the willing" against Iraq.