10-pt economic agenda at risk
on the Philippines is concerning.
“An unwelcoming atmosphere in the Philippines could easily dampen the country’s economic relationships. In the United States, as elsewhere, private investors have reportedly grown skittish about the Philippines’ prospects. The US economy is the Philippines’ largest source of private investment and second-largest export market after Japan,” he said.
“The Philippine international ties could have a very real impact on the country’s fundamental interest,” he added.
Manhit noted the health of the Philippine economy is not only in the hands of the country’s economic managers but also in the hands of investors, traders, entrepreneurs, businessmen as well as different agencies who manage very different portfolios such as energy, health, education and even foreign policy.
In line with this, he pointed out that instead of drastically changing its friendship form one country to another, the Philippines should maintain its good relations with trusted friends and pursues constructive relations with all of its neighbors, in both word and deed.
“The country can pursue independence without squandering its hard-earned relationships with other countries. The Philippines can keep its friends while making new ones,” he said.
Foreign policy should be guided by three principles. “First, a country’s approach must defend the country’s fundamental interests. These include the security and integrity of our territory, the health of our economy, and the protection of Filipino citizens abroad. Second, it must seek to achieve its goals while espousing national and universal values, such as upholding our com- mitments and complying with or enforcing international law,” Manhit said.
“Third, and important for a lessdeveloped country, it must strive for all of the above in the most he added.
Manhit said independence foreign policy.
Unfortunately, he said, in President Duterte’s case the term “independent” appears to be shorthand for pushing the United States away and pulling China closer.
The government’s new stance must be calibrated to ensure that it does not compromise the administration’s 10-point plan and the Philippines’ overall economic security, he said.
The ADRi chief said the government’s warming up with China signals a quick break from the United States and is unfortunate. “It is one thing for the administration to downplay the Arbitral Tribunal’s favorable ruling, out of a fear of possible retribution.
It is another thing entirely to halt patrols with the United States and limit them to a minimal 12 nautical mile distance— far less than the full 200 nautical mile spread of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said.
By taking such drastic steps, the administration gives the impression of swinging wildly and insincerely instead of taking smaller but more meaningful steps toward friendly relations, he added.
Manhit said being careful with pronouncements and calibrated with government actions will send a more meaningful signal not only to China, but also to all of the Philippines’ international partners. “Such care will help the president and his team achieve the Philippines’ foreign policy objectives,” he added.