Aquino pays respects to late king of Thailand

MANILA, Philippines - Former president Benigno Aquino III paid his last respects to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday afternoon, citing him as a “unifying and stabilizing force” in Thailand.

Aquino went to the Thai embassy in Makati City and wrote on the Book of Condolences to send his message of sympathy to the Thai people.

He expressed hope that the king’s memory would continue to guide the Thai people in charting the future of their nation.

The 88-year-old king, who passed away on Oct. 13, was widely revered by his people and had played an important role during times of political turmoil in Thailand.

Asked about current issues, Aquino, who stepped down as president on June 30, said he did not see anything wrong with President Duterte’s decision to pursue an independent foreign policy.

Aquino said during his time, foreign policy was based solely on what would be best for the Filipinos’ interest and “I suppose this is the version of what we were doing.”

The former president said he did not want to violate his self-imposed rule to refrain from commenting on the current administration’s decisions for a year.

In particular, he said he was not part of the decision being done as regards foreign policies.

Duterte has been hitting the United States for supposedly meddling with the government’s bloody war against illegal drugs and that he would prefer to be friends with China and Russia.

But as regards the US in general, he said it would be easier to deal with a country with common background, values and orientation.

“How can we become partners if our beliefs are not the same?” Aquino said, citing the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the US as well as with Japan.

Aquino also said he would not have any problem if the investigation into the Jan. 25, 2015 Mamasapano incident would be reopened.

Duterte said he would like to find out the US’ participation in the operation that led to the deaths of 44 members of the Special Action Force.

“But I suppose everything that needs to be said about the issue has been said already. A case has been filed and is undergoing a process. We are ready to answer if there are questions to be asked,” Aquino said, referring to the various charges filed in relation to the incident, including against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.

As regards the “yellows” being behind moves against the current administration, Aquino also refused to dignify the issue.