WR Advisory Group, a private research group, gathered experts in national defense, economics, and foreign relations at the Makati Diamond Residences to discuss their outlook on matters of national security and the complex relationship between China and the Philippines.
The speakers focused on two major aspects of Philippine-China relations namely, territorial and economic. The West Philippine Sea, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, and joint exercises were all important points of the discussion.
With regard to the West Philippine Sea, the data presented in the forum showed that Filipinos are happy with the response of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. According to Arguelles, confidence in the Armed Forces remains high.
“The WR Numero March 2024 survey reveals that 68% of Filipinos say that the AFP is managing the situation in the West Philippine Sea well. Similarly, 7 out of 10 Filipinos express trust that Philippine military has the capacity to defend the West Philippine Sea. This nationally-representative survey is conducted among 1,800 adult Filipinos, with a ±2% error margin.”
However, Dr. Brian Poe-Llamanzares pointed out that the situation is much more complicated. He explained that while media has been focused on the West Philippine Sea, China has been increasing its hold over the Philippine economy.
“The lack of foreign competition for public services makes it easier for China to infiltrate the economic landscape with cheaper and more readily available services…. China is capitalizing on our desire to grow quickly and on a limited budget, especially in critical sectors of public utilities and services like electricity and telecommunications, which form a bedrock for national development.”
Economist Bernardo Villegas and Consul Ramon Garcia highlighted the efforts of the Philippine government to address this vulnerability by inviting foreign direct investment from both traditional and non-traditional allies citing economic road shows to countries like Spain, Japan, and the United States as part of the effort of both government and private sector to address this concern.
Robin Garcia, Founder and Chairman of the WR Advisory Group, explained that because the situation is multidimensional the forum had to assemble a diverse panel of speakers.
“China’s challenge is multidimensional, encompassing interrelated and simultaneous threats to the economy, defense, and democracy. Today, WR Advisory Group sought to discuss these in a holistic and integrated way to enrich the public discussion and to help come up with policy responses that reflect this thematic diversity. Our speakers are experts and specialists who have both policy-relevant and academic experience in these themes.”
All participants in the forum were hopeful that the economic growth of the country will continue but shared similar concerns about the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea.
Speakers included economist Bernardo Villegas, Honorary Consul of Portugal Ramon Garcia, Perry World House Senior Program Manager at the University of Pennsylvania Thomas Shattuck, WR Numero Research President and CEO Cleve Arguelles, and Senator Grace Poe’s Chief of Staff Dr. Brian Poe-Llamanzares.
