IN a move that pleasantly caught many by surprise and contrary to his campaign rhetoric, President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to assert the territorial rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. With this, the President-elect has that opportunity in his hands to immediately establish that he is different from his predecessor in the critical areas of foreign policy and maritime security. This was the assessment of experts during a virtual town hall discussion organized by top think tank Stratbase ADR Institute.
In a forum held recently, the need was highlighted for a more assertive, responsive and strategic foreign policy especially in the light of China’s recent incursions into our Exclusive Economic Zone—the latest in a long list of such incidents—and its harassment of our fishermen. Stratbase ADR Institute President Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit and International Development and Security Cooperation President and Founder Dr. Chester Cabalza discussed these in light of their special papers in the book “Beyond the Crisis: A Strategic Agenda for the Next President” compiled and published by Stratbase ADRI. Their papers are among 16 policy studies written by experts in the fields of foreign policy, the economy and development, and governance. Manhit pointed out that after the July 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the territorial rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea is no longer just a claim but has become a right given to us under a rules-based international system. And that right is not only to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity, but should also foster multilateral, inclusive cooperation through alliances and strategic partnerships. And this outlook recognizes the fundamental change wherein the old order is now shifting to a multi-polar world where states are economically, geopolitically and strategically interconnected. With this in mind, what is needed is a more responsive and strategic foreign policy direction that is clear, cohesive, and consistent, leading to the development of the country’s military, economic, scientific, and cultural capabilities. Manhit’s paper, A Responsive and Strategic Foreign Policy Outlook in an Interconnected and Multipolar World, said the next Philippine leader must craft a responsive and strategic foreign policy to reverse the losses caused by the flippant policy of the current administration. These linkages with like-minded states are needed to counter the threat from China and other traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Manhit’s paper also highlighted the importance of prioritizing economic cooperation and participation in regional and global economic initiatives to advance the national interests of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Cabalza said in his study, Philippine Civil and Maritime Security: Transforming from Archipelagic to Maritime Power, that the Philippines should turn to multilateralism as it works toward a robust defense posture and secure civil maritime sector, given the volatility in our maritime domain and our lack of an anchoring policy on our defense cooperation with like-minded states. In the forum, Cabalza said if China is a true friend to the Philippines, it should allow the incoming Marcos administration to help the country’s military modernization and strengthen its territorial defense operations. He also mentions that an independent foreign policy must have a strong armed forces, in particular the Navy and Coast Guard, to become a maritime power. In this regard, what follows would be for these two entities to maintain sovereignty patrols on the country’s maritime domains, including safeguarding our control of our seas, and also performing functions to support missions other than war.
Foreign policy, specifically the one involving our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, was one area that caused many sleepless nights for those who opposed the candidacy of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the highest office of the land. But it seems there is nothing to worry about. What needs to be done now would be to bring this to fore once he assumes the presidency, and back it up with reasonable and sustained action to safeguard our rights in our territories and foster an environment of multilateral and inclusive cooperation.
The author may be reached at tmo45@georgetown.edu