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Friday, March 29, 2024

‘BBM can do better in foreign policy’

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President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the opportunity to immediately establish that he is different from his predecessor in the critical areas of foreign policy and maritime security, experts agreed during a virtual town hall discussion organized by top think-tank Stratbase ADR Institute.

As the term of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte is about to end, a recent forum highlighted the need 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,” the group said.

Stratbase ADR Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit and Dr. Chester Cabalza, International Development and Security Cooperation president and founder, 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.

“Our territorial right in the West Philippine Sea is no longer just a claim. After July 2016, or when the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in our favor, that claim became a right given to us under a rules-based international system,” said Manhit.

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It is not only the national government that could uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity, Manhit said. “We should foster multi-lateral, inclusive cooperation through alliances and strategic partnerships.”

Manhit pointed to a fundamental change: the deterioration of the old order and a shift to a multi-polar world where states are economically, geopolitically, and strategically interconnected.

“We need a more responsive and strategic foreign policy that would implement a clear, cohesive, and consistent foreign policy direction and develop the country’s comprehensive power according to its military, economic, scientific, and cultural capabilities,” he said.

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 highlights the importance of prioritizing economic cooperation and participation in regional and global economic initiatives to advance the national interests of the Philippines.

“By maximizing the opportunities brought by existing economic partnerships and actively participating in regional and global economic initiatives, the Philippine government can efficiently address the concerns of the public in terms of long-term economic growth and development,” Manhit said.

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 administration of President “BBM” to help the country’s military modernization and strengthen its territorial defense operations.

“An independent foreign policy needs a strong-Armed Forces and Coast Guard to become a maritime power,” Cabalza said.

He said: “The Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) should maintain sovereignty patrols on the country’s maritime domains, ensuring a surface force to meet the current mission and long-term obligations, including the safeguard of sea control and denial, projecting power, maintaining maritime security, and also performing functions to support its mission other than war.”

“The AFP and PCG should improve their human, organizational, and information capital. It shall build a culture of jointness and establish integrated secure communications and information system to institutionalize integrated joint logistics support systems and develop a professional and highly motivated regular and reserve force,” Cabalza said.

Stratbase Trustee and Program Convenor Renato De Castro, Ret. RADM Rommel Ong, Chairperson of Security Reform Initiative Inc. and professor of Praxis at the Ateneo School Government, as well as Stratbase ADRI Executive Director Francesco Pangalangan were also speakers in the online forum.

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