Page 1 A PRINCIPLED AND INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY

No. 1 Series 2016

A PRINCIPLED AND INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY

ALBERT F. DEL ROSARIO Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs MBC IMAGES/ R. DELROSARIO LET ME CONGRATULATE ALL THE ENTITIES hosting me today for consistently being at the forefront of promoting management excellence and insti- tutional integrity. The professional discipline that we had acquired from the private sector is pre- cisely what I brought with me during my years at the DFA. It has been three days since I retired from Foreign Service, and it has been a matter of great privi- lege and profound satisfaction to have served our country and the Filipino people under the leader- ship of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III, who also is the chief architect of our foreign pol- icy. My role was only to implement policy. Since 2011, I had embarked on 151 Official Mis- sions for the purpose of negotiating and asserting the rightful place of the in the interna- tional community of nations. Since 2012 until Janu- ary 2016, the DFA also arranged and participated in the visits of over 60 Heads of States and Gov- ernments, Members of Royal Families, and other Dignitaries. It has been 16 months since I had the pleasure The Makati Business Club, along with the American Chamber of your distinguished company during the Award- of Commerce, Bankers Association of the Philippines, Chamber ing Ceremony for the Management Man of the of Mines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Year 2014, for which I am truly grateful and con- Management Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a special testimonial sider not only as an invaluable honor but also as a luncheon on behalf of Sec. Del Rosario on 11 March 2016 at the resounding vote of confidence in the Department Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. Published here are excerpts from of Foreign Affairs. his keynote speech.

www.mbc.com.ph Page 2 A PRINCIPLED AND INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY Page 3 A PRINCIPLED AND INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY This year is crucial not only be- in post, previously intended to (8) Strongly encouraging all enhance the US’ ability to not only heightened tensions, highlighting challenges, including transnational cause of the Philippines’ leader- be front-liners, were not prop- foreign service personnel to provide rapid humanitarian assis- the urgency of an early promulga- crime, terrorism, and maritime se- ship transition in June but also in erly trained); reach beyond their grasp, at tance, but also to help build ca- tion of the decision. curity and cooperation, as well as view of the country’s successful all times, to promote the na- pacity for the modernization of the The Philippines maintains that the cooperation on humanitarian emer- hosting of the APEC Economic (3) Placing merit over seniority tional interest (DFA continues Armed Forces of the Philippines. decision of the Tribunal will be legal- gencies. Leaders’ Summit in November and in the career advancement to motivate its people to do ly-binding and should be accorded In addition to our treaty alliance the establishment of an ASEAN process (we insisted DFA must more and to think out of the PHILIPPINES-CHINA RELATIONS due respect by everyone. We are with the United States, we expand- Community last month. With these be performance-driven); box); AND THE enjoining other nations to help us to ed our defense and security en- positive developments, the Philip- ARBITRATION CASE convince China to respect the rule gagements with other allies. In 2015, pines faces great expectations on (4) Rationalizing Philippine (9) Emphasizing the manage- Philippines-China relations cele- of law. we witnessed the deepening and its bright prospects and potential. presence overseas, and reallo- ment approach of leadership brated its 40th Anniversary last year. broadening of the Philippines’ bilat- [I have been] asked to deliver cating resources where these by example; and Given this milestone, the Philippines ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL eral relations with Japan, Australia some brief updates and perspec- are most needed (months af- fully recognizes China’s role in world DIPLOMACY and Vietnam. As Strategic Partners, tives on a few key issues of inter- ter assuming office, we closed (10) Endeavoring to ensure affairs and supports its peaceful de- The DFA, through our 84 Posts, has we signed several agreements with est. Please know that the late and 10 out of 94 posts and we real- that our people are well-pro- velopment; acknowledging that taken a revitalized role as promot- Japan on the sidelines of the 2015 most renowned Carlos P. Romulo located resources for greater vided for (e.g. continuing to China’s emergence as an econom- ers of Philippine trade, investments, APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit. had once said that there is noth- efficiency); update compensation and ic power has been of great benefit tourism, and ODA. With the DFA A Joint Declaration on Philip- ing more useless than a one-day allowances, making provisions for Asia-Pacific and the world. Strategic Plan for economic and pines-Australia Comprehensive old newspaper. That view can be (5) Bringing cost-effective for a balanced foreign posting Our bilateral economic relations cultural diplomacy, we have pre- Partnership [was signed], covering said to apply as well to the remarks consular services closer to the system, and encouraging pro- remain strong. Bilateral trade con- sumed a One-Country Team ap- all aspects of our bilateral relations. of a just-retired Secretary of For- people by moving DFA offices fessional development, includ- tinues to grow, reaching $18.34 bil- proach and our Posts have been Completing the troika of alliance in eign Affairs. to malls such as Ayala, Gaisa- ing the pursuit of higher stud- lion in 2014. In 2013, 426,352 Chinese guided by the following goals for the region is the signing of the Joint no, Robinsons, SM, and Ali Mall ies). tourists arrived in the Philippines, economic diplomacy: Statement on the Establishment of THE DFA TRANSFORMATION (which has received wide ac- while there were almost 1 million a Philippines-Vietnam Strategic Part- PROGRAM ceptance from the public); PHILIPPINES-US RELATIONS AND Filipino tourists in China. Over the (1) Strengthening of DFA nership, outlining comprehensive ar- Since 2011, I had embarked on and THE ENHANCED DEFENSE COOPER- years, there were greater Philippine structures and capacities in eas of cooperation. implemented a carefully thought- (6) Developing effective strat- ATION AGREEMENT (EDCA) direct investments in China as com- relation to economic activity From 2011 to 2015, we successful- out 10-point DFA transformation pro- egies to negotiate and assert Our partnership with the United pared to Chinese investments in the (2) Contributing to job ly facilitated the conclusion of 64 gram, intended to develop the DFA the rightful position of the Phil- States is at its most robust, given Philippines. generation agreements on political and de- into an organization that is smart- ippines in the community of our shared history, values, and We have consistently maintained (3) Assisting in poverty fense-security matters. er, leaner, and more proactive by nations (our positions are com- aspirations. Our economic part- that the South China Sea issue is not reduction means of the following: prehensive, calibrated, and nership remains on an upward tra- the sum total of our relations with APEC AND THE ASEAN are constantly being updat- jectory, and our people-to-people China. For China to be truly viewed Since 2011, we have signed 205 COMMUNITY (1) Restoring morale by further ed); links continue to foster mutual un- as a positive force and a responsi- economic agreements including Under the Philippine APEC Chair- strengthening the career ser- derstanding. ble regional power, it is of great im- labor, trade, education, and air ser- manship in 2015, a total of 229 vice corps (we now have the (7) Awaiting the President’s As our only treaty ally, the US is our portance for China to manifest ad- vices. From 2011 to 2014, the DFA meetings were convened, includ- fewest political appointees as approval of a new scheme biggest source of official develop- herence to and respect for the rule played an active role in securing a ing high-level policy dialogues and ambassadors in the history of for the Non-Resident Ambas- ment assistance (ODA) grants, our of law. total of $4.33 billion in ODA through the APEC Business Advisory Coun- the DFA); sadors (NRAs) to cover Africa third-largest trading partner, one The Philippines has reposed its various bilateral consultation mech- cil. APEC 2015 advocated for: (1) and Central America (e.g. Af- of our leading foreign investors, faith in the rule of law, especially, anisms and economic diplomacy Enhancing the Regional Economic (2) Upgrading economic di- rica, which is comprised of 54 and one of the leading providers the United Nations Convention on initiatives. Integration Agenda; (2) Fostering plomacy skills through a part- States, where DFA coverage is of tourist arrivals. When President the Law of the Sea and other ap- In strengthening people-to-peo- MSMEs’ Participation in Regional nership with Asian Institute of limited to only five embassies); Obama met with President Aqui- plicable principles of international ple links, agreements were forged and Global Markets; (3) Investing in Management (senior people no on the sidelines of the APEC law. Having presented our positions with countries and cultural entities Human Capital Development; and Economic Leaders Summit last No- and evidence before the Arbitral Tri- to promote joint activities and en- (4) Building Sustainable and Resilient vember, he reiterated the United bunal, we now await the Tribunal’s hance cultural cooperation. Since Communities. About The Speaker States’ ironclad commitment to decision on the merits of the case. 2011, twelve Cultural Agreements APEC is more than about trade; we the defense of the Philippines. To this decision, we shall according- were signed. The DFA had main- also prioritize concerns that affect ALBERT F. DEL ROSARIO The Supreme Court affirmed the ly abide. tained a continuing partnership with an individual’s economic well-be- After obtaining his economics degree from New York University, Mr. constitutionality of the EDCA, a Recent developments on the the National Commission for Culture ing, such as health, access to quality Del Rosario began an illustrious career in insurance, banking, real critical component of our efforts to ground, as a result of Chinese uni- and the Arts. education, 21st century skills training, estate, shipping, telecommunications, and consumer products, enhance and strengthen national lateral conduct of test flights, -is employment, and preparedness for among others, and held multiple leadership positions in top Philip- security, and improve our human- land-building activities and con- POLITICAL AND DEFENSE and resilience to disasters. pine corporations. He was drafted into diplomatic service in 2001 as itarian assistance and disaster re- structions, challenges on freedom COOPERATION Aside from policies and programs ambassador to the United States, and was instrumental in further ce- lief. of navigation over flight operations, We had designed partnerships to the Philippines introduced in APEC, menting Philippine-US relations in trade, development, and defense. The Philippines and the US will be on-going militarization, and the manage new realities on defense we are proud of the fruits of the APEC He was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III as the secretary of closely coordinating on the im- still-continuing prevention of Filipino cooperation. In lieu of traditional hosting itself. We forecasted revenue foreign affairs in February 2011, and ended his stint as the country’s plementation of EDCA, a mutual- fishermen from plying their trade ideas of balance of power, we had of P1.5 billion, particularly for the ho- top diplomat in March 2016. ly-beneficial agreement that will at the Scarborough Shoal have emphasized engagement in new tel and retail industries, as well as an Page 4 A PRINCIPLED AND INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY Page 5 A PRINCIPLED AND INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY increase in job creation and tourist Filipinos and members of their fam- arrivals. We also considered our host- ilies. Our Foreign Service personnel ing a boost in our international expo- provide round-the-clock legal con- sure and media mileage. sular assistance, counseling, shelter, In December 2015, the ASEAN and labor mediation. We undertake Community was established as jail visitations, administer overseas signed by the ASEAN Leaders. ASE- absentee registration and voting, AN offers real opportunities in the and help Filipinos organize them- form of a huge market of $2.6 tril- selves into communities. lion and over 622 million people. In Beginning with the Office of Consu- The Makati Business Club invites guest speak- 2014, the ASEAN Community was lar Affairs, DFA is working towards an ers to its General Membership Meetings and collectively the third-largest econo- ISO 9001:2008 certification to realize MBC Briefings to discuss public issues and my in Asia and seventh-largest in the the Department’s goal of being at trends, whether local or global, that have an world. par with existing international stand- impact on Philippine development. MBC Fo- For Filipino consumers, the ASEAN ards. The DFA’s Visa Division is pres- rum highlights the speeches and discussions at these gatherings. The full text of speeches and Community will provide a wider va- ently reviewing visa privileges under other presentations may also be found at the riety of goods and services, at lower, Executive Order 408, presently allow- MBC website, www.mbc.com.ph. cheaper prices. For exporters, it will ing citizens of at least 150 countries mean a larger market for our prod- a 30-day visa-free entry to the Philip- ucts and services. For workers, inte- pines for tourism. OFWs gration will bring in more investments In an effort to bring DFA’s consu- (4) Defending the country’s and will thus provide more employ- lar services closer to the people, 14 territorial rights ment opportunities and technology of the 19 Regional Consular Offices transfer. were already mall-based as of 2015. We are pleased with these results The establishment of the ASEAN DFA is working closely with other as three out of four issues are directly Community is the most recent mile- partners in government in further en- under the purview of the DFA, which stone in the evolution of ASEAN as hancement of our ePassport system. are “Foreign Relations,” “Promoting the most important regional organ- the welfare of OFWs,” and “Defend- ization in Asia. [Moreover] the Phil- UNDER THE AQUINO ing the country’s territorial rights.” ippines has started preparations for ADMINISTRATION On “Helping the poor,” DFA’s efforts the ASEAN Chairmanship and the What is cast in stone are our Foreign have directly and indirectly contrib- 50th Anniversary of ASEAN in 2017. Policy Pillars which call for: (1) pres- uted by increasing ODAs to the Phil- ervation and enhancement of na- ippines to record-levels. DFA’S CONSULAR SERVICES tional security; (2) promotion of eco- In the Makati Business Club’s per- AND IMPROVED ASSISTANCE nomic security; and (3) protection formance survey on government TO NATIONALS of the rights and promotion of the agencies, DFA’s ranking has im- Since the onset of the Arab Spring, welfare of our overseas Filipinos. The proved from 11th spot in 2012, to #4 the DFA has had a major preoc- manner in which [the Pillars] should in 2015. cupation. Assistance to nationals be pursued must be governed by The DFA is most pleased with both remains a top priority for the Philip- relevance, effectiveness, and the survey results and we thank the Fili- pines. The DFA takes care of almost values of our people. Philippine for- pino people for their recognition. It 8 million overseas Filipinos on a 24/7 eign policy must be pursued in a is our hope the next administration basis, in 174 countries, over 40 time manner that is independent, princi- will consider the same forward-look- zones. pled and based on the rule of law. ing strategy to fully realize the Philip- Consequently, DFA has main- Every Department or Agency of pines’ bright prospects and poten- tained its reputation as the “Depart- the Philippine Government has con- tial. ment that never sleeps.” cerns about its effectiveness. It is our I am deeply saddened by having All Embassies and Consulates are hope that the recent December to step down prematurely from the tasked with the mandate of protect- SWS survey on the Aquino adminis- Cabinet. Including my posting as ing the rights and promoting the wel- tration’s performance will demon- Ambassador to Washington, it has fare of our nationals abroad, regard- strate the Filipinos’ approval of the been a total of ten years that I have less of location or circumstance. DFA’s strategies. faithfully served our country. Since 2011, starting with Libya, the Out of 14 issues most important to At the DFA, we did our best and DFA has repatriated over 24,000 Fil- Filipino people, four have merited we gave our all. It has been truly an ipinos in countries torn by civil strife the highest rating: honor and a privilege. or devastated by natural and other disasters. (1) Helping the poor Excerpts edited by From L-R: MAP President Perry Pe, Chamber of Mines President Philip Romualdez, PCCI President George Barcelon, MBC Chairman Ramon del From 2012 to 2015, DFA extended (2) Foreign relations VICTORIA Y. SIBAL Rosario, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, FINEX President George Chua, American Chamber of the Philippines President Rick Santos, BAP assistance to over 80,000 overseas (3) Promoting the welfare of Programs Officer Managing Director Cesar Virtusio, MBC Co-Vice Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala Integrity Pledge Signatories 3,381and counting... How to be our Integrity Partner in 4 easy steps

SIGN THE INTEGRITY PLEDGE

TAKE THE ONLINE INTEGRITY SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST

EMPOWER EMPLOYEES TO BECOME INTEGRITY ADVOCATES

ENCOURAGE SUPPLIERS AND PARTNERS TO SIGN THE PLEDGE JOIN US TODAY! For more details, visit www.integrityinitiative.com

Integrity Initiative, Inc. (II, Inc.) is a non-stock and non-profit organization engaged in a long-term private sector-led campaign to promote common ethical and acceptable integrity standards among various sectors of society. II, Inc. aims to integrate the principles of honesty, transparency, and fairness in conducting business in the Philippines and is implementing a 2/F AIM Conference Center, Benavidez number of on-going projects that support companies in enforcing ethical St., Legaspi Village, Makati City business practices. The project’s lead implementers are the Makati Business Club, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, (02) 751-1144 Management Association of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Financial Executives Institute of the [email protected] Philippines.