Esperon, as next NSA, says China not an enemy, but nat’l interest comes first

The administration of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte does not consider China an enemy, but has vowed to push national interest in the issue of the country’s territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, the next National Security Adviser (NSA) said yesterday. Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, retired Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. whom Duterte announced yesterday to be his NSA, said that arbitration will be pursued although that does not mean other channels will not be explored. “Why should you look at China as an enemy?” said Esperon. “You should remember that we have our national interest. So kung ano ang national interest natin yun ang i-pursue at ipu-push natin (we shall pursue what is of national interest),” said Esperon. Asked to elaborate on the national interest, Esperon replied: “Well territory, sovereignty, welfare of our people… yung lahat ng territory na yan ay makakadagdag sa [...]