Communists to Duterte: Be wary of ‘Amboy top dog’ FVR

MANILA, Philippines – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) warned President Rodrigo Duterte against former President Fidel V. Ramos, who the rebel group said is out to to make undermine Duterte’s plans to flesh out a foreign policy independent of the US. 

Ramos lamented the performance of Duterte in his 100 days, saying in a column published in the Manila Bulletin on Sunday, October 9, that the country is “losing badly” because of his war on drugs and his sustatined tirades against world leaders. 

The former president, who was among those who persuaded Duterte to run for president, said Duterte should “correct the most serious flaws in our national leadership.”

The CPP, which is talking peace with the Philippine government, blames widespread poverty in the country to the economic and trade policies supposedly imposed by the US. 

“[Ramos], Amboy [“American boy”] top dog, is now set to lead the pack to consolidate the pro-US camp of reactionaries to put on greater pressure on the Duterte regime to backtrack on its promotion of an independent foreign policy,” the CPP said in a statement released on Monday, October 10. 

“It is quite apparent that US military agents in the Philippines are closely working with Ramos to counteract Duterte’s policy statements and measures against US military exercises and presence. He also seeks to countervail Duterte’s efforts to influence the [Armed Foces of the Philippines] and serve as the US counterpole,” the statement added.

In particular, Ramos called out Duterte for his controversial remarks on the United States and US President Barack Obama. Duterte most recently told Obama to go to hell and said he wanted to stop Manila and Washington’s military exercises – a statement that Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr later denied.

“So, what gives?? Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics, and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie just like that?? On P. Du30’s say-so???” Ramos said.

Duterte also said the Philippines would survive even without aid from the US, European Union, and United Nations. (READ: What Typhoon Yolanda foreign aid looks like without US, EU, and UN) – Rappler.com