President Duterte to China: Treat Filipinos as brothers not enemies

President Duterte has appealed to China to treat Filipinos as brothers, not enemies and understand the plight of Filipino fishermen now affected by the maritime dispute. The President made the appeal in his speech during the National Heroes’ Day celebration yesterday attended by members of the diplomatic corps, including Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Affirming that peace is the only way to resolve the territorial dispute, the President said he hopes China would “understand” the plight of the “poor” fishermen trying to make a living in the area. “(I hope) the Chinese people this time may find a place in their hearts for the Filipinos after all I come from, there’s Chinese blood in me. I hope you treat as your brothers, not enemies, and take note of the plight of our citizens,” the President said. “Maybe, just maybe, if we [...]