BY GENALYN KABILING
All China-backed projects, including the Sangley Airport project, will push through based on the latest decision of President Duterte despite the United States’ trade sanctions on certain firms.
The President has refused to follow the United States’ move on blacklisting some Chinese companies owing to the country’s independence, and would rather allow such investments from China in line with national interest, according to his Spokesman Harry Roque.
“Sangley project will continue. All other projects involving Chinese companies that are banned in the United States can continue in the Philippines. We are not a vassal state of any foreign power. We will pursue our national interest,” Roque said during a Palace press briefing Tuesday.
Roque said the President has declared that Americans could blacklist Chinese firms in their own territory but not in the Philippines.
“Malinaw ang sinabi ng Presidente hindi siya susunod sa direktiba ng mga Amerikano dahil tayo ay malaya at independiyenteng bansa at kinakailangan natin ang mga namumuhanan galing sa bansang,” he said.
“Sangley and all other projects kahit sino pong Chinese contractor yan, tuloy tuloy ‘yan dahil ang pang national interest natin ay masigurado na matapos ang flagship projects natin sa ilalim ng Build Build Build,” he said.
The United States recently included 24 Chinese companies in the trade blacklist for allegedly helping China build islands in the South China Sea. The trade sanction prohibits US companies from exporting products to these firms without a government license.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said he would recommend the termination of local contracts with the Chinese companies if proven involved in reclamation works in the disputed region.
A Chinese firm involved in the building an airport in Sangley, Cavite is reportedly among the companies blacklisted by the United States.
Last Friday, the Palace expressed hope for an amicable resolution to the trade conflict between the United States and China, citing it would help promote greater stability and security in South China Sea. Roque noted that said the country considers both the United States and China as special friends and trading partners.
“We hope that both partners of the Philippines will be able to draw an understanding and resolve any and all issues between them amicably and peacefully,” Roque said. (Genalyn Kabiling)
