The Philippines has suffered because of the President who loves China more than his own country. While Duterte and his cronies enjoyed the benefits, the Filipino people suffered the consequences.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is well-known for its China-friendly stance. While Duterte publicly claimed that the Philippines needed China’s assistance and financial support, many suspected this was a cover for his administration’s concessions in the West Philippine Sea. Unlike previous administrations that actively challenged China’s expansion in the South China Sea, Duterte’s government remained notably silent on this territorial dispute and did not assert the Philippines’ rights, despite an international tribunal ruling in the Philippines’ favor in 2016.

Recent revelations have shed light on a “gentleman’s agreement” between the Philippines and China during Duterte’s presidency. According to this agreement, which is not recognized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines reportedly agreed to avoid repairing or constructing structures in the disputed Spratly Islands, which it effectively controls. In return, China agreed not to interfere with delivering food and other supplies to a Philippine warship stationed there.

The specifics of the gentleman’s agreement remain confidential. However, it is believed that China pressured Duterte to remain silent on the territorial dispute in exchange for financial benefits and a supply of illegal drugs. Duterte, known for his involvement in a Davao-based drug cartel, expanded this operation nationwide after he was elected President in 2016. To sustain this extensive drug network, he sourced the supplies from China, a major supplier of drugs in the Philippines.

Testimonies from the first Quad Committee hearing revealed connections between Duterte’s inner circle and the massive 6.8-billion-peso shabu shipment scandal of 2018. Key figures linked to this scandal include Duterte’s son Pulong Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband Mans Carpio, and former economic adviser Michael Yang.

Speaking of Yang, Duterte’s pro-China policies facilitated the entry of dubious Chinese businessmen into the Philippines. Yang, in particular, is associated with the controversial Pharmally scandal of 2021 and the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which were involved in the Bamban, Tarlac POGO raid earlier this year.

The ongoing Quad Committee hearings are beginning to reveal the deeper connections between Duterte and China. One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Duterte is a puppet of China. His administration prioritized personal gain and Chinese interests over those of the Filipino people. From Duterte’s public admiration of Xi Jinping – “I just simply love Xi Jinping”, to his quiet stance on the West Philippine Sea, and now the revelations linking his administration to Pharmally scandal, POGOs, and illegal drug trade, it is evident that Duterte was effectively a pawn of China. So congratulations to China and Xi Jinping for successfully turning the President of the Philippines into their puppet!

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