PH ready to face consequences in pursuit of independent foreign policy – Palace

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is prepared for the consequences of pursuing an independent foreign policy, including economic losses and losing preferential treatment from the United States.

Malacañang is unfazed over reports that six US senators want the US Trade Representative Office to consider revoking preferential treatment extended to Manila, a move that could imperil $1.59 billion worth of exports to the United States.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo stressed that the government is ready for the consequences of its independent foreign policy, such as protesting violations of its sovereignty and terminating the Visiting Forces Agreement.

“The position of the President is to have an independent foreign policy. And that means if any treaty or agreement is abrogated, then necessarily certain consequences will follow,” Panelo said in a press briefing.

The Palace official made the remarks after six Democrat senators urged Washington to desist from entering into future trade negotiations with Manila until the country’s “human rights records has vastly improved.”

The senators alleged that the Duterte administration “continues to violate internationally recognized worker rights” even as they urged a review of the Philippines’ compliance with its obligations under the Generalized System of Preferences.