‘Philippines an enemy to none’

Country steadfast in fighting territorial claims, says foreign secretary

Manila: The Duterte administration remains steadfast in fighting for the country’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said on the first anniversary of the Philippines historic win in the arbitral tribunal in its territorial dispute with China.

In a statement on Wednesday, Cayetano stressed that the Philippines would pursue its claims by fostering good relations with its neighbours.

“The Philippines shall remain an enemy to none and a friend to all in its pursuit of economic and political benefits for the country, including the long-term security and stability in the region,” he said.

“The Duterte administration reaffirms its unwavering commitment

Alan Peter Cayetano

to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements, but believes that the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea should further be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighbourly relations.”

While many criticised Duterte’s rather unorthodox foreign policy, Cayetano said it had resulted in “great benefits for the country”.

Describing it a “game changer”, Cayetano said Duterte’s decision to implement an independent foreign policy had also allowed the Philippines to enjoy “considerable economic gains” and buttress its position as chair of the Association of South-East Asian Nations and as a “regional peacemaker”.

“Through the adoption of positive neighbourly relations, our fishermen are back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal,” he said.

“President’s priority of regional peace and stability has led to the healthy environment of dialogue, cooperation and development.” According to Cayetano, the President’s efforts to improve the Philippines relations with other countries brought in foreign investments and financial assistance commitments amounting to more than US$30bil (RM128bil).

“These significant developments have likewise allowed our defence resources to also address other pressing security concerns facing the country,” he said.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claim to almost all of the South China Sea had no legal basis and that it had violated the Philippines sovereign rights to fish and explore resources in its 370km exclusive economic zone.

Through the adoption of positive neighbourly relations, our fishermen are back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal.