Duterte calls for fundamental changes in ASEAN to combat COVID-19
President Duterte said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must recalibrate its plans taking into consideration the lessons learned from the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a manifestation at the 36th ASEAN Summit on Friday, Duterte took note of the massive disruptions caused by the pandemic and called for “fundamental and systematic changes” in ASEAN to effectively mitigate the adverse consequences of the crisis and facilitate the region’s comprehensive recovery.
In his Friday presser, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President, in particu
lar, stressed the need to accelerate the promotion of regional connectivity and sustainable supply chains, human resource development, and migrant workers’ rights.
Duterte added that it was also imperative to strengthen the region’s capacity to address future infectious disease outbreaks through, for instance, research and capacity-building on health technology development.
The ASEAN leaders have instructed ministers to craft a comprehensive, innovative, and ambitious recovery plan leading to a greener and sustainable future.
They also welcomed the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ issuance of the “Hanoi Plan of Action on Strengthening ASEAN Economic Cooperation and Supply Chain Connectivity in
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic” and the establishment of the ASEAN Response Fund. These were key deliverables agreed upon at the Special ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 which was held on April 14, 2020.
Other matters
Meanwhile, amid the talks on how the region should deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte underscored that there were still other threats that can undermine ASEAN’s security and development. These include terrorism, transnational crimes, and natural calamities.
The ASEAN leaders likewise adopted a total of 12 outcome documents including the following:
• ASEAN Leaders’ Vision Statement on “Cohesive and Responsive
ASEAN”;
• ASEAN Declaration on Human Resource Development for the Changing World of Work.
• Work Plan of the ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalization and Violent Extremism 2019-2025.
• Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Training Council.
The 36th ASEAN Summit hosted by Vietnam was also the first ASEAN Summit to be held virtually due to the threat of COVID-19.
Abide by UNCLOS
Duterte, during his intervention in the 36th ASEAN Summit, asked his fellow ASEAN leaders to refrain from escalating the tension in the disputed waters and abide by their responsibilities under international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He also asked them to adhere to other international instruments such as the 2002 declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea.
As country coordinator for ASEANChina dialogue relations, Duterte revealed that there were constraints in dealing with the deliverables. He, however, said ASEAN must not lose sight of the strategic interest in the South China Sea.
“We must find innovative ways and exercise flexibility to achieve our common
goals,” the President said.
“We remain committed to working closely with the member-states and China towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive code of conduct in the South China Sea,” he added.
Joining President Duterte in the Summit were Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and Secretary Harry Roque.