Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte speaks at a press conference in Davao City, Monday. Duterte expressed openness on the return to the Philippines of Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, to participate in peace talks.(MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Duterte administration is open to holding bilateral talks with the Chinese government and will prioritize looking after the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), lawyer Perfecto Yasay Jr. said.
Yasay was chosen by incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to head the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
When asked on the foreign policy that the Duterte administration will implement, Yasay said the government will follow the provision of the Constitution.
“Alam mo ang foreign policy natin Igan, naka-define yan sa Constitution, sa Saligang Batas at hindi tayo pwedeng mag-deviate dyan,” Yasay said.
“We are a free, sovereign and independent state. We carry on an independent national policy and renounce war as an instrument of national policy. Yan ang approach, broad parameters na ating Constitution na talagang kailangan natin ipatupad,” he added.
Yasay also said the government will ask allies to respect the independence and sovereignty of the country.
“Sa akin naman, when we carry out this foreign policy, there is one thing in mind that our government must pursue and that is the paramount national interest. That paramount interest cannot be subordinated or subservient to the interest of other nations,” he explained.
The top priority of the Duterte administration will be the OFWs, according to the former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman.
He described the Aquino administration’s response to the OFWs as lukewarm and inadequate.
“Ang intensyon ng ating magiging pangulo ay magkakaroon tayo ng immediate, prompt, effective response to these problems,” said Yasay, adding that a study is being made for the creation of a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers.
On the issue of the West Philippine Sea, the incoming administration will wait for the outcome of the arbitration case filed by the previous administration.
Yasay said they hope the Chinese government will respect the outcome of the case.
“If there is an opportunity, itutuloy natin ang multi-lateral talks or bilateral talks. Ayaw naman natin ireresolba ang conflict na ito by means or through war,” he added.
However, if China will not respect the court decision and will engage in war, the government will expect the United States to abide by its treaties with the country, including the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA.
“But the Philippines will not even try to militarize itself to defend itself from China, because we feel that these matters should be resolved to the hilt, through negotiations,” he said.(MNS)