DU30’s debut on ASEAN, int’l stage; China asked to explain shoal presence

PRESIDENT Duterte made his debut on the regional and international stage when he attended in Laos this week the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

DU30 flies high from Davao to Malacañang to ASEAN. Yes to greater challenges ahead, he said.

*** The President joined other world leaders for the ASEAN summit and attended related meetings in Vientiane on September 6-8, in his first international journey since his assumption to office last June.

‘Twas Digong’s first time but he was warmly welcomed by many like a “rock star,” observers said.

*** Several Cabinet members and Sen. Alan Cayetano formed part of the President’s official delegation to Laos, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said. Team Duterte came in full force. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, in his capacity as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined the Philippine delegation to attend the bilateral and sideline meetings at the ASEAN summit, Abella said.

Moral and intellectual support for Pres. Rody.

*** The President said upon his departure, “I would just say that we are ready to cooperate in establishing good order among nations, that we are ready to do our part internationally, comply with our obligations, comply with the contracts that we have entered into with foreigners in this country doing business.” Duterte’s assurance welcomed.

*** He added that the Philippines isready to talk about terrorism, human trafficking, illegal drugs, and other relevant issues with other ASEAN and world leaders.

But understand our country’s priorities such as a drug-free region, emergency response and disaster management, protection of migrant workers, and combatting human trafficking, he said.

*** Malacañang said Duterte’s meeting with US President Barack Obama will be rescheduled, after a minor problem developed over his pronouncements in a press conference.

Waiting for better times...

*** Duterte also pointed out that his administration will continue to advocate respect for the rule of law, a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea dispute.

Yes to the rule of law.

*** Meanwhile, the President sought an explanation from China on its reported construction activities on Scarborough Shoal despite an Arbitral Court ruling against China’s territorial claims.

Scarborough is well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, he asserted.

*** The President directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines to explain the presence of Chinese vessels within the shoal’s waters.

He will likely be told: No to intruders, yes to Chinese tourists!