Palace backs Locsin vote for UN copyrights chief

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday backed the decision of Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to vote for a Chinese candidate in the election of a director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (Wipo) even after he got in a diplomatic tit-for-tat with the foreign minister of Singapore.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it is the practice of President Rodrigo Duterte to leave his Cabinet officials alone to do their jobs and did not even mention Locsin’s flap on Thursday with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Twitter.

An incorrigible Twitter user, Locsin used the social media platform to announce the results of the nomination process for Wipo director general.

“World Intellectual Property Org elections for DG: China-28, Singapore 55 under strong Western pressure. I voted China to [the] very end. Am like that; I stood with US isolated on an issue. Friend in need is friend indeed. 1 of 28 is better than 1 of 55 when shit hits fan,” Locsin posted on Thursday morning.

Same commitment

The tweet not only announced the result of the nomination process in Geneva on Wednesday but also revealed how the Philippines voted and suggested that the Philippines could be a friend in times of need but also expected the same commitment from its allies.

A few hours later, Balakrishnan replied to Locsin’s tweet and appeared to blame the Philippines for not voting for the Singaporean candidate Daren Tang, chief executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.

Backroom maneuverings

“I have always admired your transparency. But must say that I hope you will stand by your friends and partners in [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations] with the same vigour. This is a crucial time to keep Asean united,” Balakrishnan wrote.

Locsin, who has had figured in several Twitter controversies in the past, pounced on the reply and even revealed some of the backroom maneuverings for the Wipo leadership.

“Sorry to disappoint,” Locsin replied. “Showed my steadfast commitment to Asean in crucial issues., e.g. Myanmar vs Western hypocrisy. I did not see Wipo as an Asean issue. I originally committed to Japan twice. After it backed out, China asked for my vote in Laos. US called just before yesterday.”

He then called out Asean members which he did not name for failing to stand by the Philippines when the United Nations Human Rights Council was deliberating on the Iceland-initiated resolution that called for a review of the killings related to the drug war in the Philippines.

“Some in Asean lacked alacrity in expressing support for the Philippines and opposition to the Iceland Resolution though all did after the vote. Hard to forget some things. I’m just human,” Locsin said.