PH affirms resolve to settle territorial disputes based on rules-based intl order

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) affirmed the government’s resolve to protect the country’s sovereign rights and preserve its territorial integrity, in defense of a rules-based international order, as declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Under the President’s leadership, the DFA has steered the country’s independent foreign policy based on our national interest, in cognizance of the interests we share with fellow nations, and in pursuit of peace, security and prosperity,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Antonio Morales in his remarks during the Post-SONA Forum in Pasay City on Wednesday,

He reiterated the President’s pronouncement that constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches will always be pursued to resolve any issue that may arise, with national interest paramount.

He further noted that since the President’s last SONA, the DFA has facilitated and undertaken landmark bilateral and multilateral engagements underscored by the Chief Executive’s clearly defined foreign policy to be “a friend to all and enemy of none.”

When asked about how Asean Centrality complements the country’s independent foreign policy, Morales affirmed that Asean Centrality is consistent with the independent foreign policy of the Philippines.

He noted that Asean has proven to be a very effective regional organization in the maintenance of peace and security in the region.