Independent research organization Stratbase Institute on Monday denounced Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent comments on Philippine foreign policy, accusing her of echoing China’s propaganda.
“Her remarks disregard the gravity of China’s violations of Philippine sovereignty and shamelessly carry Beijing’s propaganda narrative and ignore the escalating violations of Philippine sovereignty by China,” Stratbase said in a statement.
Duterte’s comments, which questioned the Marcos administration’s diplomatic approach, drew strong condemnation from the think tank led by its president, professor Dindo Manhit. The organization stressed that the 2016 arbitral award, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the West Philippine Sea, is a cornerstone of the country’s legal and diplomatic position.
“Contrary to her insinuations, the Philippines has not chosen sides in a geopolitical contest. Rather, the current administration has exercised principled diplomacy through a multilateral, rules-based approach that strengthens our national defense and international standing,” the statement said.
The organization cited growing cooperation with countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and members of the European Union that are “grounded in shared values: the peaceful resolution of disputes, adherence to international law, and the preservation of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
It listed a series of Chinese provocations, including illegal incursions, water cannon attacks, and the harassment of Filipino fishermen and resupply missions, and said such actions demand strong condemnation, not political hedging or silence from national leaders.
“We must speak with one voice in upholding the rule of international law, asserting our maritime entitlements, and working closely with like-minded nations to deter China’s aggressions and incursions, whether in the West Philippine Sea or in the Philippine Rise to our east,” Stratbase concluded.
