VP Duterte slams proposed U.S. ammo factory

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday voiced strong opposition to the proposed construction of a joint ammunition factory in the Philippines, a plan earlier floated by a Philippine envoy to bolster defense ties with the United States.

Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview at The Hague, Netherlands, Duterte warned that such a move would compromise the Philippines’ independent foreign policy.

"Ang nakalagay sa ating Saligang Batas, no, na meron tayong dapat independent foreign policy. Kung yung ginagawa ng gobyerno ay kung kiling sa iisang bansa lang, ibig sabihin nun, wala na tayong true independent policy," Duterte said.

The Vice President is currently in the Netherlands visiting her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity over the drug war killings during his term.

"So, dapat hindi lang ako yung kumukontra, lahat tayo mga Pilipino kumukontra sa plano na ito, dahil ang ating mga galaw ay dapat for the interest of our country, hindi para sa interest ng ibang mga bansa," she added.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez earlier suggested that a joint ammunition production facility would enhance both defense and economic cooperation with the U.S. He also said the factory could generate local employment.

Reports indicate that U.S. lawmakers are considering establishing the facility at Subic Bay.

"Hindi lang Amerika, kahit anong bansa yan, hindi para sa kanila ang galaw natin mga Pilipino. Ang mga ginagawa natin ay dapat para sa interes ng ating bansa," Duterte said.