PRRD doubts quick US help in case PH is attacked

Amid the country's territorial dispute with China, President Duterte doubts whether the United States could send help "on time" in case the country is under attack.

The President observed the US was good with words when it offered to come to the country’s aid but it remained unclear if the US Congress would actually allow its troops to go to war.

"Ang America sabi niya tutulong kasi may US Defense tayo. Alam mo ‘yung sugal na ‘yan, sabihin mo, 'Adre sige, I have your back covered.’ Mabuti lang ‘ yan sa salita. Kung makita nila sumabog na ‘yung mga tao, lumilipad na [America said it will help us because we have a US defense ( treaty). You know the gamble there, you say 'I have your back covered.' They're only good with words. What if they see explosions hit people, things

start flying?]," Duterte said during the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Palawan Thursday night.

"Do I trust the Americans? Yes. But will that help be on time? That’s the problem,” he added.

Duterte said the United States could declare war but must still get permission of its Congress to do so. "Kung hindi magbigay? [What if they don’t give it?],” the President asked.

During a campaign sortie in Koronadal City, South Cotabato last week, the President revealed he is not angry with the US but is "wary" about its style of diplomatic engagement.

The President's latest comment about the United States came after he asked China to "lay off" Pag-asa Island located in the West Philippine Sea amid citings of Chinese vessels either sailing or stationed in the area.

Being friends, Duterte said he was just giving China a "word of advice" not a warning.

"I will not plead or beg, but I’m just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because may mga sundalo ako diyan (I have soldiers there)," he said.

"At ‘ pag ‘ yan ang ginalaw ninyo, ibang istorya na ‘ yan. ‘Di sabihin ko na ‘yang mga sundalo ko, 'prepare for suicide missions' [If you touch that, that's a different story. I'll tell my solders to prepare for suicide missions]," he added.

In his recent visit to Manila, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced the US would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack in the disputed South China Sea. The US action is supposedly part of its obligation under the 1951 mutual defense treaty signed with the Philippines.

Under the defense pact, the Philippines and United States agreed to help each other in case of an “armed attack in the Pacific area” on either party.