Lower fuel prices or foreign interference

The carrot had been offered by Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov to incoming president BBM who coyly took the bait, hinting at the country’s forthcoming foreign policy relative to the months-long Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The enticing carrot, which could well be a Trojan horse, appears to alleviate the plight of Filipinos over spiraling fuel prices but is far from an altruistic gesture from Vladimir Putin who has replaced Kim Jong-Un as the world’s most hated leader.

How Russia will help Filipinos with high fuel prices remains in diplomatic jargon.

In context, diesel prices in February 2017 was pegged at P28.40 to P34.30 per liter. Today, it’s at a staggering P74 to P87.80 level.

Several months back, BBM said the Philippines should remain neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but the country was on record a signatory to the United Nations resolution condemning the invasion.

After June 30, will BBM maintain the same stance? Russia appears to be courting BBM’s good graces just like Digong choosing to be friends with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The ball is in America’s court. The US insists it will defend the Philippines in case of armed conflict with China or any neighboring country. To do this, the US needs to refuel its fighter jets and war ships in the Philippines.

If our national leaders expect the US to come to our defense, there is no logic befriending America’s enemies.

Russia cannot be expected to help us source cheaper fuel because of numerous sanctions imposed by Europe, the US and their allies. Should they pull through with the rhetoric, there could be violations to the sanctions.

Just like the offense of fencing, the buyer is equally liable as the seller for accepting stolen goods.

So, Russia’s offer of cheaper fuel, though highly populist and raises much hope, comes not without strings attached.

If BBM accepts the bait, the Philippines will be counted Russia’s ally. Why then will the US come to our aid if the situation arises?

Our sovereignty has already been compromised by Duterte in the West Philippine Sea – aggravated by the recent return of more than a hundred Chinese militia vessels in the disputed waters – we stand to face a new front with Russia if BBM accepts their friendly gestures.

If Russia starts meddling in our internal affairs (in exchange for maybe military hardware for our AFP?), we can no longer stand neutral. We will be condoning any future Russian military expansion.

Lower fuel prices or foreign interference?