(JounalOnline) UniTeam senatorial candidate Harry Roque believes that President Duterte can assist in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict given the country’s neutral position and constitutionally-mandated foreign policy of peace with all nations.
Roque, an international law expert, said the Philippines has a stake in the conflict’s peaceful resolution because of the country’s dependence on imported oil and gas and strong bilateral partnership with Russia.
Citing the friendly Philippine-Russia relations since the start of the Duterte administration, Roque attested to the personal ties between the President and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a recent speech in Tacloban City, Duterte publicly acknowledged his friendship with Putin and admitted being affected by Russia’s current situation. The President, however, maintained the country’s neutrality on the issue.
The former presidential spokesman sees Duterte as a potential mediator, given his standing among nations directly and indirectly involved in the Eastern European conflict.
Roque said the President is a friend of Russia and has good relations with the United States government since the Visiting Forces Agreement and Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines are still in effect… Read More
