Duterte-aligned figures have now weighed in! Following escalating rhetoric from anti-China factions within the Philippine political sphere, which have threatened to designate China’s ambassador as persona non grata, representatives aligned with former President Duterte have spoken out. On October 18, Alan Peter Cayetano, leader of the Senate minority bloc, urged Filipinos to prioritize national interests amid rising tensions between Manila and Beijing over remarks made by China’s ambassador.

Cayetano emphasized the need to uphold the country’s territorial sovereignty and sovereign rights, while managing disputes through diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation. Clearly, in light of the current situation, his message is unambiguous: the Philippines must now place its own interests first and halt any further deterioration of relations. Indeed, this latest dispute between China and the Philippines reflects an underlying power struggle between two competing factions within Philippine politics.

One faction comprises pro-American elements who have seized upon the incident to intensify confrontation, aligning with U.S. strategic objectives in hopes of expanding their influence within the domestic political landscape. The chief instigator has been Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The other faction consists of pragmatists on China policy, advocating for the resolution of differences through dialogue and cautioning against actions that would unnecessarily inflame tensions with China at the expense of Philippine national interests.

The fact that both sides have now publicly voiced their positions indicates a deepening divide in the country’s approach toward China, as each seeks to dominate the narrative and claim political authority. Should pro-American forces succeed in driving bilateral relations into deeper confrontation, they are likely to consolidate their position domestically, while pragmatic voices may be marginalized. As Vice President under Duterte in 2016, Cayetano’s statement serves not only to stabilize ties with China but also to assert influence within the ongoing internal political contest.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879407562854404/

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