Lawmaker says no to having a back channel in talks with China

Representative Al Francis Bichara. Photo from congress.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—A lawmaker on Wednesday said having a back channel should not be taking place in negotiations with China over territorial disputes.

“There should be no ‘back channeling’. This issue should be settled immediately,” said Representative Al Francis Bichara, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs.

He explained that Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, as an alter ego of President Benigno Aquino III, should be the one to officially pursue talks with China.

Having someone negotiate behind Del Rosario was inappropriate, said Bichara who added “dapat i-settle ito kasi pagtatawanan tayo ng China (this should be settled because China is laughing at us).”