Duterte doubts timely US support if Philippines comes under attack

Philippine soldier Tychico Octobre patrols a beach in Pagasa Island (Thitu Island) at the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan. AFP FILE PHOTO / POOL / RITCHIE B. TONGO

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte is doubtful of the timely assistance from the United States if the Philippines comes under attack.

Duterte made the remark amid the fresh reports of China’s aggression around Philippine-occupied territories in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Chinese sea militia swarms around Pag-asa Island – military

Speaking during PDP-Laban’s campaign rally in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan  Thursday night, the President stressed that the US Congress would have to give its concurrence first before it can deploy troops to go to war.

“As you know sa America, they can declare war but they have to get the permission of Congress of the United States of America. Kung hindi magbigay?” Duterte said.

He noted that he was certain the Americans would be true to their words and would help in time of war as it has pledged in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

“But will that help be on time? That’s the problem,” he added.

In the same speech, Duterte also asked China to “lay off” Pag-asa Island amid reports of a surge in the number Chinese vessels sailing near the area.

He said that he would be asking his soldiers to go on a “suicide mission” against the Asian powerhouse should the latter overstep in Philippine territory. /gsg/ac

READ: Duterte to send soldiers on suicide mission vs. China if…