Former President, Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada backed the controversial remark of President Rodrigo Duterte about "separating" from the United States, but warned it might cost him his position.
While in China for a state visit, Duterte announced his "separation of foreign policy" from the US and said the Philippines will be more dependent on Beijing in the future.
Estrada said he understands where the President is coming from because he also experienced interference from the US when he was still head of the state.
"Tama naman ginagawa ni Pangulong Duterte, bakit sila nakikiaalam? We are a sovereign country. We have our own Constitution," he said.
But he quickly noted that Duterte's announcement might "expose him to political risks such as the US moving to oust him from office."
The former president said the US tried to "coax him into doing what they wanted." He cited the war he waged against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2000, which then US Defense Secretary William Cohen allegedly asked him to stop.
This, he said, is why he supports the country's move to realign with China.
"Kasi ang China, hindi nakikialam sa atin, sa ating independence," Former President Erap said.