Goldberg says Philippines-US ties remain strong

MANILA, Philippines - Despite continuing tirades by President Duterte, ties between the Philippines and the United States remain strong, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg declared yesterday.

Reflecting on his three-year stint in the Philippines, Goldberg said, “The fundamentals of bilateral cooperation with the Philippines and our relationship with the Filipino people remain strong. Our history of cooperation spans 70 years, and our commitment to this country remains unchanged.”

He spoke in his final address before the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, where he was the guest of honor.

“The Philippines is a key strategic partner of the United States and our military alliance, development assistance and commercial cooperation continue,” he said. “Much like you, we are relying on strong ties developed through our common endeavors as well as building effective relationships with new partners to ensure productive future cooperation.”

Goldberg said AmCham has a role in bilateral cooperation, citing examples of contributions made by US companies to disaster relief and development, education and the environment.

“The United States will not ‘soften’ even in the future its tone regarding its criticism of human rights abuses and drug issues,” he said, noting conversation with the Philippines about these concerns is “normal” between allies and partners as part of a healthy bilateral relationship.

At Malacañang, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella yesterday said the Philippines is just heading to an “open relationship” and not exactly “cooling off” with the US as the Palace is reviewing all treaties.

“Like what former national security secretary Jose Almonte said, what we are doing is not breaking off,” he said in Filipino.

“We are just widening our options… It is not cooling off but more of open relationship.”

Almonte was at the briefing yesterday to speak on his views of Duterte’s first 100 days in office.

Duterte earlier hit the US, European Union, United Nations and several international human rights organizations which criticized him over his war against illegal drugs.

The campaign has resulted in the death of more than 3,000 people, with more than half that number attributed to vigilantes and branded as extrajudicial killing.

More than 1,200 deaths were a result of police operations conducted all over the country against known drug personalities. The suspects reportedly put up a fight when the policemen conducted their operations.

But the high number of deaths in a span of less than three months alarmed the rights organizations, which warned Duterte to observe due process and the value of human life.

Duterte took the admonitions as meddling in the country’s internal affairs. – With Giovanni Nilles