‘NMI-PH relations go way back’

The CNMI and the Philippines share a long history that dates back to even before both islands came under the United States, according to Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan). The CNMI is a U.S. commonwealth, while the Philippines is a former colony of the United States.

The CNMI and the Philippines came under Spanish rule with the Mariana Islands chain, particularly Guam, a strategic stopover for Spanish galleons to and from Mexico to Manila. Both the CNMI and the Philippines were also ruled by Japan in separate instances.

“The CNMI’s relationship with the Philippines dates back even before America’s influence in the Pacific,” said Demapan, chairman of the House Committee on Federal and Foreign Relations that also oversees the Commonwealth’s relationship with the U.S., the United Nations, and other foreign countries.

“I don’t think these political issues between the Philippines and the United States would have a drastic effect on the relationship of the CNMI and the Philippines,” added Demapan.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, during a recent state visit to China, said that he is “separating” from the U.S. The United States is one of the Philippines’ top trading partners and contributor of foreign aid.

U.S. companies in the outsource industry have also invested heavily in the Philippines where it employs more than 900,000 workers and had a projected revenue of $25 billion at the end of the year.

Demapan said the Philippine president should not make abrupt decisions or even say statements that could strain his country’s relationship with other nations. He even suggested Duterte to follow the will of the people.

“I believe that any decision surrounding the Philippines’ relationship with another country should be a decision made by the will of its people. I don’t think a decision of this magnitude should rest on the opinion and views of just one person,” said Demapan.

Duterte also made a statement on requiring U.S. citizens to have a Philippine visa when they visit the country. U.S. citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the Philippines.

Demapan said this would become a problem for patients under the medical referral program of CNMI residents that would go to Manila to undergo medical checkup.

“That’s an issue that the U.S. government will have to look intoh,” added Demapan.