SECRETARY DEL ROSARIO HIGHLIGHTS ASEAN, PHILIPPINES’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO REGIONAL PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY AT NDCP FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY LECTURE 19 August 2014 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario highlighted the important role of ASEAN and the Philippines’ contributions to the maintenance of regional peace,security and stability when he served as a plenary speaker on the occasion of the 51st National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) Founding Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming last August 15 at the NDCP Auditorium, NDCP Building, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Secretary Del Rosario joined US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg in speaking on the theme “Forging Global Relationships for Regional Security and Development.” “Regional organizations support our national pursuit of international peace, security and stability. With the wisdom that neighbors are in the best position to know one another, the regional organization has become the pre-eminent platform for dialogue and engagement,” Secretary Del Rosario said. He underscored ASEAN’s role in shaping international norms, saying that “If ASEAN can claim to have achieved something, it is this: ASEAN contributed to the progressive development of international norms that are recognized in the region – the non-use of force or threat of force, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the primacy of international law, consensus, and non-interference.” The Secretary also discussed the Philippine proposal of a Triple Action Plan (TAP) that aims to reduce and manage tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) pending a resolution of the disputes. He emphasized that TAP “brings together various initiatives that the Philippines and other countries have been advocating on the SCS issue in the past years.” Secretary Del Rosario’s speech likewise touched on Philippines-US relations and the Philippine Government’s mission to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos who are caught in dangerous situations abroad. In closing, the Secretary enjoined all NDCP Alumni who serve in all sectors to “unite in the realization of an inclusive Filipino society and a Philippines that enjoys the esteem of the community of nations.” Serving as “reactors” to the Plenary Speakers included University of the Philippines Professor and former NDCP President Dr. Clarita R. Carlos, former Secretary of Interior and Local Government Rafael M. Alunan and Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Senior Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School of Public and Development Management Dr. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado. An open forum followed the speeches. BGen. Benjamin I. Espiritu moderated the program and synthesized the discussions. Below is the full text of Secretary Del Rosario’s speech: Hon. Secretary Albert F. del Rosario Secretary of Foreign Affairs On the Occasion of the 51st National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) Founding Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming (300 Attendees) Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City 15 August 2014 (Friday) – 3:00 p.m. THE PHILIPPINES’ STRATEGIC APPROACHES TOWARD REGIONAL SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION The Honorable Fidel V. Ramos, Former President of the Republic of the Philippines; The Honorable Philip S. Goldberg, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Philippines; Fermin R. De Leon Jr. PhD MNSA, President NDCP; Brigadier General Eduardo L. Lacanienta AFP (Res) MD MNSA, Homecoming Chairman, NDCPAAI; The Honorable Rafael M. Alunan III, Former Secretary of Interior and Local Government; Clarita R. Carlos PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines, Former President, NDCP; Gloria Jumamil-Mercado PhD MNSA, Senior Vice President and Dean, Graduate School for Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines; Esteemed members of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association, Inc. (NDCPAAI); Distinguished guests; Ladies and gentlemen; Good afternoon. It is an absolute honor to celebrate, with such a distinguished group, the 51st NDCP Founding Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming. I wish to thank the Honorable Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Chairman and Board President of NDCPAAI, for the privilege of speaking before you today. Congratulations are also in order for the NDCP Alumni for continuing the tradition of professional and academic excellence. I am proud of the fact that a number of our career Ambassadors and DFA senior officials are graduates of the NDCP’s Master in National Security Administration or MNSA Program. I believe that the program’s continued importance not only depends on its ability to harness expertise on and dissect strategic issues, but also its uncompromising focus to promote effective civilian-military cooperation for national security. The NDCP’s influence extends to the networks of public officials and defense scholars in the region with whom you interact in the course of your work. Moreover, the National Defense College supports the various aspects of the Philippine Government’s work through its research, curricula and policy discourse such as this one. Your theme for this year’s Anniversary celebration, “Forging Global Relationships Toward Regional Security and Development,” is, therefore, timely and relevant in understanding today’s complex and challenging issues. I will discuss the ASEAN as a regional actor and mechanism and the Philippines’ contribution to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region, as well as the state-of-play in Philippines-U.S. and Philippines-China relations, and the protection of our nationals abroad. SECURITY OUTLOOK: THE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL LANDSCAPE Let me begin by providing a security outlook on the global and regional landscape. On our side of the world, the Asia-Pacific region is in a state of flux as governments are faced with multiple security issues and challenges. The situation in the South China Sea and other flashpoints in the region have attracted much attention on the potential conflict that may ensue if restraint is not exercised. These conflicts are being aggravated by aggressive nationalistic tendencies. On the other side of the world, similar misdirected nationalism may be stoking a new Cold War, given the possibility of an intended escalation of conflict in Eastern Ukraine to a direct NATO-Russia military confrontation. Uncertainties loom large in the security environment. While developed countries are slashing military budgets due to domestic issues by as much as 20 percent, defense spending of some Asian countries, especially China and India, has significantly increased. Fueled largely by maritime and territorial disputes, this increased spending may raise tensions in the region, aggravated by the politics of identity and religion, and the impact of natural disasters. The emergence of non-state actors such as terrorist groups, syndicates and cyber criminals, with their illicit networks poses another security challenge, weakening state apparatus and stretching its capabilities to effectively respond. Sustained conflicts and the spread of pandemic diseases in the Middle East and Africa demand our utmost attention as these directly affect our countrymen. The tools for warfare have also become more sophisticated, bringing all corners of the world within reach of a missile strike. Think of the MH17 tragedy, or the threat posed by a non-state actor such as the ISIS or the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. All of these developments highlight the fact that security is a global challenge that requires national, bilateral and regional responses. ASEAN: A RULES-BASED REGIONAL COMMUNITY Regional organizations support our national pursuit of international peace, security and stability. With the wisdom that neighbors are in the best position to know one another, the regional organization has become the pre-eminent platform for dialogue and engagement. I wish to highlight, therefore, the Philippines’ experience as a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, one of the most vibrant regional organizations today, focusing not only on security and defense, but also on socio-cultural and development cooperation. I was recently in Myanmar, the current Chair of ASEAN, for the annual ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which coincided with ASEAN’s 47th anniversary last Friday, 08 August. As you may know, the ten Foreign Ministers meet at least thrice a year – alongside our Leaders during two Summits plus our annual Ministerial Meeting. Our Senior Officials meet at least ten (10) times a year, and our Working Group-level officials roughly the same. Easily over a thousand meetings a year are convened by ASEAN through its main organs and sectoral bodies. The regional security architecture is being addressed on the level of ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM), ADMM Plus, East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Driven by ASEAN, these mechanisms include major powers of the world such as the US, China and Russia. Decades of dialogue and cooperation have affirmed that our futures are inextricably linked. This is why we in ASEAN have committed to establishing a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible, people-oriented, and people-centered Community by 2015. The Philippines initiated the establishment of the socio-cultural community pillar in the ASEAN Charter. In the realm of security, ASEAN envisions a rules-based Community of shared values and norms. In the absence of an international authority to govern nations, the rule of law lends stability and order to international relations. In wanting to codify norms of good conduct to abide by, ASEAN has come up with such landmark documents as the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), Bali Concord I and II, SEANWFZ, and the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Here, then, is an example of the bottom-up approach at work, a regional organization shaping international norms. If ASEAN can claim to have achieved something, it is this: ASEAN contributed to the progressive development of international norms that are recognized in the region – the non-use of force or threat of force, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the primacy of international law, consensus, and non-interference. In pursuing the creation of these norms, the Philippines initiated discussions on peace and reconciliation processes in ASEAN by sharing its experience in successfully concluding negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro. We also hosted workshops on peacekeeping operations at the ARF. We will soon submit guidelines on maritime security cooperation through the Philippine proposal on ASEAN Coastguard Forum. THE TRIPLE ACTION PLAN AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA These norms serves as the guideposts for the Philippines’ approach to the South China Sea issue. What is the situation in the South China Sea? We are seeing an increasing pattern of aggressive behavior and provocative actions on the part of China that seriously threaten the peace, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and over flight in the region such as: 1. Illegal Chinese restrictions on Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) since 2012 2. Reclamation activities and massive destruction of marine environment in Mabini Reef (Johnson Reef), Chigua Reef (McKennan and Hughes), Calderon Reef (Cuarteron Reef), and Burgos Reef (Gaven Reef) 3. Blockade against our resupply of provisions to PH personnel stationed in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) 4. The issuance of the new fisheries regulations in Hainan 5. Violations of safety zones of the Galoc Oil Field, an on-going operational PH oil platform, located 60 KM (37 M) northwest of PH’s Palawan Province 6. The imposition of a Fishing Ban in some parts of the South China Sea from 16 May to 01 August 2014 7. Unilateral placing of HD981 Oil Rig in the waters off Vietnam and use of force against Vietnam 8. Imposition of ADIZ in East Asia and threats of a potential ADIZ in South China Sea These aforementioned activities violate international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and are contrary to the DOC. Why is this happening? The core issue here is China’s claim of indisputable sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea that is represented by the nine-dash line. This is an excessive and expansive claim which is a gross violation of international law. On the basis of an illegitimate nine-dash line claim, it is clear to us that China is accelerating its expansionist agenda and changing the status quo to actualize its claim to nearly all of the South China Sea. As you may have noted, China is rushing to actualize its claim before the conclusion of the COC and the handing down of a decision of the Arbitral Tribunal on the Philippine submission. What should we do? In order to immediately do what is necessary in accordance with international law and to ensure peace, security and stability in the region, the Philippines proposed the “Triple Action Plan” or TAP, which we proposed at the recently concluded ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Post Ministerial Conferences at the Nay Pyi Taw. The TAP is a concrete framework to address the escalating tension in the South China Sea. The TAP is positive, constructive and comprehensive, and brings together various initiatives that the Philippines and other countries have been advocating on the SCS issue in the past years. The TAP is composed of (1) immediate, (2) intermediate, and (3) final approaches to address the provocative and destabilizing activities in the region, without prejudice to existing territorial claims. IMMEDIATE: There is an urgent need to immediately cease destabilizing and provocative actions. We, therefore, propose a cessation on specific activities that serve to escalate tension pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the DOC. The call for a cessation of activities is not intended to affect the various claims of different countries. It is intended as an imperative arrangement in light of the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. All countries should be able to support this call, consistent with the DOC, for the sake of peace and stability in the region. How this proposal would be shaped must be the subject of dialogue among countries concerned. INTERMEDIATE: During the cessation period, there is a special need to manage any further tensions until a final resolution can be obtained. We therefore reiterate our call for the full and effective implementation of the DOC and the expeditious conclusion of a binding Code of Conduct or COC. FINAL: There must be a settlement mechanism to bring the disputes to a final and enduring resolution anchored on international law. The Philippines is pursuing such a resolution on the maritime dispute through Arbitration. We believe that the Arbitration award will clarify the maritime entitlements, including those of China, which will be the basis for the settlement of maritime disputes. We need to clarify that this arbitration case pertains to our maritime entitlements only, without reference to territorial claims. The Philippines submitted a Memorial last 30 March 2014 before the Arbitral Tribunal under UNCLOS for its case against the Chinese nine-dash line claim. The Philippines invited China from the very start to be a part of this legal process. The Arbitral Tribunal gave China until 15 December 2014 to submit its counter-Memorial. Until now, we continue to urge China to positively respond to this request inasmuch as it will be an opportunity for China to expound on and clarify the merits of its claims. At this stage, let me make myself clear. The Philippines openly and fully acknowledges that Chinas emergence as an economic power has been of great benefit, not only for the Asia-Pacific, but for the world. Chinas growth promises to expand world trade, investment and tourism. We certainly appreciate the positive role that China has played in many areas. Encouraging economic development, expanding science and technology, undertaking functional cooperation, deepening cultural connections and enhancing people-to-people understanding have all been on Chinas international agenda. We have consistently maintained that the West Philippine Sea issue is not the sum total of Philippines-China relations. We acknowledge China’s role in world affairs and support its peaceful rise. To be truly viewed as a positive force and a responsible power, however, China must manifest its adherence to and respect for the rule of law. BUILDING THE REGIONAL SECURITY ARCHITECTURE Let me reiterate that our rules-based approach to disputes in the South China Sea has gained international support, as gauged during meetings of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), ASEAN+1 Meetings, ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and East Asia Summit (EAS). The implication can be readily inferred: ASEAN can serve as the fulcrum upon which the levers of regional security can rest. These ASEAN-led mechanisms are also vital venues for functional cooperation on such issues as disaster relief and maritime security, from which the Philippines and ASEAN benefit greatly. For ASEAN to maintain its leadership, ASEAN must preserve its centrality, solidarity, and cohesion. ASEAN must focus all efforts on reinforcing the foundations of a rules-based regional regime that promotes stability, security and progress on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and common benefit. PH-US RELATIONS AND THE EDCA In the context of long-term and strategic challenges which can become opportunities, we continue to forge global relationships to serve our national interest. One such important partnership is the PH-US bilateral relations as manifested through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA. Today, as in the past, PH-US bilateral relations are bound together by the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Through all the complexities and challenges of 21st Century diplomacy, the alliance, with the advent of the US rebalance toward Asia, demonstrates a remarkable resilience and a profound ability to adapt to the changing needs and realities. Our political engagements are at its highest. Last April, President Obama made his historic first State Visit to the Philippines which highlighted our deepening and broadening relations. Our security and defense cooperation is at a new strategic level. The US$40 million grant from the US under the Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF) will further build the capacities of our PH Coast Guard and PNP in terms of maritime security and counter-terrorism. We also welcome the increase of our Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to US$50 million for the current year. The recently signed Philippine-U.S. Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA is expected to strengthen our alliance, reinforce our defense capabilities, and increase our readiness to meet the new normal of mega disasters. To further enhance the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the Philippines and the US concluded the EDCA on 28 April. EDCA is a principal pillar for enhancing our alliance to face new security realities. With prepositioning, access, greater inter-operability and capacity-building, we will be able to strengthen the effectiveness of our alliance. In addition, we will significantly enhance our emergency disaster cooperation to save more lives. The US rebalance to Asia is a comprehensive policy that includes not only the security component but also the further enhancement of economic cooperation and people-to-people ties. Securing Filipino Nationals Overseas On yet another front, part of our security concerns has always been the safety and security of our Filipino nationals. This is an issue that is close to the hearts of both our President and our Vice President. We take care of our almost 10 million overseas Filipinos on a 24/7 basis, in 174 countries over 40 time zones. This, as you know, has earned us the reputation as the Department that never sleeps. We are all like soldiers: we eat when we can, we sleep when can, and we heed the call of nature when we can. All our embassies and consulates are tasked with the mandate of protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of our nationals abroad, regardless of their location or circumstance. Since 2011, starting with Libya, we have repatriated over 20,000 Filipinos in countries torn by civil strife and devastated by natural and other disasters. From 2012 to 2013, we extended assistance to over 45,000 overseas Filipinos and members of their families. We provided, as a matter of course, legal and consular assistance, counseling, shelter, labor mediation and we visited jails regularly. There are now four (4) major hot spots in the Middle East and Africa – Libya, Syria, Gaza Strip, and Iraq – where we have instituted mandatory evacuation of our nationals. As we speak, for the Libyan conflict, we engaged a ship which has just completed a voyage picking up 800 repatriates from Benghazi and Misrata and that is now headed for Malta to transfer the said repatriates to 2 PAL chartered flights for Manila. Last night, we also crossed the Libya-border with over 150 repatriates from Tripoli to Tunisia, then Manila. CONCLUSION Ladies and gentlemen, The security challenges ahead are oftentimes daunting and complex. Beyond confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy, pragmatic and constructive engagements must, therefore, continue to maintain not only ASEAN’s relevance but also, and more importantly, effectively contribute to the region’s peace, security and stability. We continue in our international commitment to maintain our peacekeeping obligations in troubled areas such as the Golan Heights, Liberia and other places, with the presence of our peacekeeping troops numbering a total of 671 Filipino security personnel. In forging security relationships, the Philippines has also embarked on an active bilateral agenda. Twenty six defense and security agreements were concluded with other countries in 2013 alone. These agreements enhance our bilateral defense and security networks and cooperation around the world. With the President as the chief architect of our foreign policy, our mandate is clear. For Philippines-US relations, our partnership, confronted with both opportunities and challenges, must remain strong, steady and firm. For Philippines and China, both had agreed to advance all the major elements of our bilateral agenda especially that of our economic cooperation while we abstract the contentious issues such as the SCS dispute. For the Philippines, our principled advocacy continues: defending what is legitimately and rightfully ours. And this position of our President is supported by 9 out of 10 Filipinos as indicated in the SWS Survey conducted last December 2013. For the Department that never sleeps as we watch over our countrymen abroad, what is separately being demonstrated by the President and the Vice President is that security has a human face. I wish to take this opportunity to convey my deep appreciation to Vice President Binay, for fully supporting our independent and principled Foreign Policy. I also enjoin the NDCP Alumni who serve in all sectors to please unite in the realization of an inclusive Filipino society and a Philippines that enjoys the esteem of the community of nations. Once again, congratulations on your Anniversary! I thank you. END
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 05:59:47 +0000
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