Report: PHL’s move to Jerusalem may be raised in Duterte’s visit

THE Philippine Embassy’s possible transfer from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem will be raised during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s visit to Israel, the Jerusalem Post has reported.

Citing “diplomatic officials” in its report on Aug. 22, the newspaper said, “The Philippines was mentioned repeatedly in December as one of a handful of countries that might follow the US lead and move its embassy to Jerusalem, a rumor that was shot down by Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano later that month when he said the move had not been discussed. Nevertheless, reports about a possible move have continued to surface.”

The Post also noted the Philippines was one of 35 countries which abstained when the UN General Assembly passed a resolution in December that condemned the US for the move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Sought for comment about this possible agenda when Mr. Duterte visits Israel on Sept. 2 to 5, University of the Philippines (UP) law professor Antonio G.M. La Viña said: “Yes, of course, you would expect that.”

But he noted that the Philippine government should be extra careful with this “because we have also very, very important relationships with other Arab countries. So why should we risk that for this, right?”

“On the part of Israel, probably, that is one of the things that they would want to prioritize. But the Philippines cannot prioritize that, because we have this relationship with Muslim countries as well,” he added.

Mr. Duterte is also scheduled to visit Jordan in the course of his Middle East trip.

Also sought for comment, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto C. Abella said: “I have not received any such report.”