On eve of birthday, Duterte meets with Chinese officials

BIRTHDAY VISIT Among President Duterte’s early well-wishers on his birthday was China Communist Party official Song Tao who had a meeting with him on Wednesday in his Matina Estates home in Davao City. -MALACAÑANG PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – On the eve of his 74th birthday,  President Duterte welcomed to Davao City a Chinese delegation led by Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and discussed with them issues that would “further strengthen Philippine-Chinese relations,” including “matters of mutual interest, including the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.”

A Palace statement said the President also clarified with Song that the government had nothing to do with the communication filed against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

In the communication, Morales and Del Rosario contended that the “atrocious actions of Chinese officials in the South China Sea and within Philippine territory” constitute crimes against humanity.

The two former officials also described the Chinese leader’s plan to take over the disputed South China Sea as causing “massive, near permanent and devastating environmental damage across nations.

The Palace statement said the President told Song that he “could not stop people from filing cases” since the Philippines was a democratic country.

Duterte also acknowledged the “vibrant trade relationship” between Manila and Beijing, as well as China’s support for his Build, Build, Build program.

Song said they were looking forward to Duterte’s visit to China next month.

Also in the meeting on Wednesday were Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, acting Foreign Secretary Ernesto Abella, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Mindanao Assistant Norman Garibay, DFA Aspac Executive Director Josel Ignacio and Foreign Principal Assistant Emilio Lopue Jr.

Aside from Song, the Chinese delegation included Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua and Chinese Consul General to Davao Li Lin.