Duterte surprised everyone with his profane statements against the United States in the past months. He directed curses at incumbent US President Barrack Obama and announced in his 4-day state visit to China that he would be cutting ties with the US.
Although his supporters and cabinet members seem to be unwavering in their trust, one former President described the recent decisions of the President as a ‘disappointment and a let-down’.
Former President Fidel Ramos, whose term lasted from 1992 until 1998, threw a rhetorical question to the current president, saying:
“Are we throwing away decades of military partnership…just like that? On DU30’s say-so???”
Being a former Secretary of Defense and a member of the military, he had close relationships with the Philippines’ foreign allies, particularly the United States. This is the main reason why Duterte appointed him in charge of the bilateral talks with China regarding the maritime dispute.
However, Ramos seems to be greatly concerned about Duterte putting the relationship with the US at risk, as it would adversely affect the financial aid we receive from the global superpower: $ 175 million in the year 2015, $ 50 million on foreign military financing and $ 80 million worth of goods imported from the US annually.
The president has yet to issue a reaction on Ramos’ pronouncements.
![Former President Fidel Ramos On President Duterte:]()
Source: TNP, FronteraNews
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