‘Withdraw from MDT’

The Philippines should stay neutral and not get itself involved in case of a war between the China and the United States.

This was stated yesterday by retired Col. Victor Corpuz during the weekly Tapatan sa Aristocrat media forum.

Corpuz, former chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), said the Philippines can stay neutral by pulling out of its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the US.

Corpuz views the move as a way out from being dragged into a war should a conflict between the superpower countries US and China arises over the West Philippine sea row.

He even said the Philippines could not be sure about America’s response should China declare war against the Philippines. He said it is not clear how the US will support the Philippines.
To steer clear of conflict, Corpuz said it is best for the Philippines to stay neutral through the abrogation of the MDT, which he said could attract aggressive nations which the Philippines could not face in a military confrontation.

War will need money said Corpuz, also once a former rebel soldier who defected to the communists. Instead of waging war with China, Corpuz said the country can use its relations with China to its benefit.

“Let us convince China to revive the old galleon trade route where products from China will pass the Philippines to Acapulco, Mexico and expand it to the southern parts as a gateway to North and South America. Mindanao to the ASEAN, Australia and new Zealand — the belt and road program of China,” Corpuz said.