The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) plans to file a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to address the continuing aggression by China in the West Philippine Sea.
This was disclosed by Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Joseph Gilbert Violago during Wednesday’s plenary deliberations on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill. Violago was defending the DFA’s proposed P27.392 billion budget for next year.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo will represent President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in the assembly, which will be held in New York City from September 22 to 23.
“The DFA has plans to file a resolution with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the Philippines territorial claim in the WPS,” Viologo said when asked by OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino about this recommendation.
“The recommendation to file a particular resolution with the United Nations General Assembly would have to be subject to necessity and prudence. The Department appreciates the recommendation and continues to study its implication,” he added.
However, Viologo pointed out that the DFA maintains its view that “the UNGA is the venue for decisions on human development issues that concern the conditions faced by humanity as a whole.”
He added that the international body “is not the venue for political debates.”
China has continued to harass Philippine Coast Guard ships as well as government aircraft patrolling the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
It has consistently refused to recognize the arbitral ruling won by the Philippines at the Hague.
