As expected, all the President's men are now in damage control over Duterte's "separation from the US militarily and economically" speech in Beijing, in front of businessmen who healthily applauded him. But what else is there to explain? His words were clear enough for the whole planet to hear, and governments want more clarification knowing how the current Philippine government always has something to explain after Duterte's statements. A White House spokesperson said that there are "too many conflicting statements" coming from Duterte. Japan, which is next in line for Duterte to visit, wants clarification as well, being a strong ally of the US.
I have heard comments from people saying that what Duterte did, verbally dumping the US in a country also known to be adversarial to the latter was nothing less than a slap in the face. With the exception of DFA Sec. Yasay who fans the flames after every Duterte statement, the fecal storm that followed warranted the administration clean-up crew to work overtime. Duterte himself, after arriving from China, explained that his words must be taken "in the context of what I have been saying all along." But the problem lies in the fact that when he talks, what he says is clear enough for everyone else to understand.
He even strengthens this "separation" by saying that it would be China, Russia and the Philippines against the world. Does he really see the Philippines as now being an equal superpower to China and Russia? Perhaps that's the reason Japan wants clarification, as they belong to "the rest of the world." Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over several islands, which it has no plans to give up nor compromise.
For months since he took office, he has criticized the US at every opportunity, even hurling invectives to no less than President Barack Obama. The whole country, even the world knows his animosity towards America. So after dumping America in his speech in Beijing, what else is there to explain? What if America one day says, "okay, we can take a hint", then one day packs up and leaves? Duterte keeps on saying that he will not cut diplomatic ties with the US. What if the US, tired of all the rhetoric coming from Duterte, decides to cut the ties themselves? After all, he has practically created his own triumvirate willing to take on the whole world. Duterte even proposes requiring a visa for Americans who want to enter the country, to "get even." Or is that another joke, a hyperbole, an out of context view? Will the damage control experts of his administration be able to salvage anything?
The administration is now touting the achievements of Duterte's China trip. The billions in investments, the renewed ties with China and the supposed opportunities opened for the country. But at the same time, it has created started demolishing a relationship that has been built through the years. His foreign policy shift has always foisted on the country no longer being a "little brown brother" to the US. Are we now to become a "little yellow brother" to China instead? With all that investment and aid promised during Duterte's trip, did the country now become wholly indebted to China? Isn't that the very same "carrot and stick" approach the administration was criticizing the US for?
And what happens to the Permanent Court of Arbitration decision? Was that all thrown out the window because Duterte will finally get his train?