VP Duterte: Don’t politicize West PH Sea territorial row

Manila Bulletin

For the first time, Vice President Sara Duterte spoke about the Philippines’ maritime and territorial issues with China, saying that it is best not to politicize the issue merely for “media mileage” and “social media commentary.”  In a rare statement, VP Duterte cited both the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated the basis of China’s claims in the South China Sea.  READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/27/vp-duterte-don-t-politicize-west-ph-sea-territorial-row  Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin  Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin  #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

Transcript

00:00Finally, on the issue of the West Philippine Sea, I stand by the Constitution which provides

00:10that the state shall pursue an independent foreign policy in its relations with other

00:17states.

00:18The paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national

00:25interest, and the right to self-determination.

00:30As Filipinos, we are all in agreement that our claim is firmly anchored on the UN Convention

00:39on the Law of the Seas and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

00:44But we must also bear in mind that bilateral relations are not dictated by a singular issue

00:51or concern like a territorial dispute, but rather by a comprehensive approach that considers

00:58the broader context of shared interests and regional stability.

01:04While silence on specific harassment issues may be perceived as a lack of response, it

01:11is essential to recognize that such decisions are made following established mandates and

01:18particular responsibilities of relevant agencies.

01:23It is well settled that the President is the chief architect of foreign policy.

01:28It therefore follows that appropriate agencies are tasked with addressing and implementing

01:34measures related to our foreign policy positions and principles.

01:41As a Reserve Officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I sincerely appreciate the

01:46sacrifices made by our uniformed personnel in the service of our national interests.

01:53However, it is crucial to avoid politicizing their sacrifices for media mileage or social

02:02media commentary.

02:03Instead, we should focus on ensuring that their efforts are recognized and valued in

02:10a manner that respects their contributions and upholds the dignity of their service,

02:16which we in the OVP continue to do and have always chosen to do away with the cameras.

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