The Philippines under the term of President Duterte was "a friend to all, enemy to none" as it was able to strengthen existing ties and forge new partnerships with various traditional and non-traditional allies.
During the Duterte Legacy Summit, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summed up the country's foreign policy under the Duterte administration as "a friend to all, enemy to none," fittingly termed as an "independent foreign policy."
"Through this, the Philippine Government strengthened existing ties with traditional partners while enhancing engagement with new and non-traditional partners in support of our national interests," DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said in her remarks during the summit held on May 31.
PH-US ties
The DFA claimed that the country's ties with its traditional ally, the United States, under the Duterte administration, has resulted in achievements that were previously not possible.
"We have leveraged our relationships with key partner countries, resulting in achievements that were previously not thought possible," Lazaro said.
She said under Duterte's watch, the return of the Balangiga Bells from the United States happened, which is "a step forward in righting the wrongs and injustices of the past."
"In asserting our position as equal partners, the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States has been improved, as its implementing guidelines have been updated and clarified, to address current realities and to ensure parity and mutual respect with our only treaty ally, the United States," Lazaro said.
PH-China relations
It was noted that the two nations' relationship was "revitalized" under Duterte's leadership. It resulted in the signing of 29 bilateral documents and agreements.
Although several "harassment" incidents were committed by Chinese vessels over Philippine ships in the country's waters, which prompted DFA to file diplomatic protests, the DFA said they continue to engage with China on these issues.
"We have instituted channels for candid discussions on security matters, including matters pertaining to the West Philippine Sea, and the mechanisms we established will continue to be essential to maintaining constructive bilateral dialogue," Lazaro said.
The Philippines also "actively engaged and deepened relations" with other key bilateral partners such as Japan, Korea, India, Australia, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, among others.
Lazaro said these resulted in "a wide range of practical areas of cooperation to address the most pressing regional and global challenges as we move towards post-pandemic economic recovery."
Protection of OFWs
Lazaro highlighted the country's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017 "made a lasting mark in the region" as it resulted in establishing a framework for cooperation in safeguarding the interests and welfare of thousands of migrant workers in the region.
The undersecretary also cited the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, saying the DFA was instrumental in making this possible.
It is the first intergovernmental negotiated, multilateral, non-binding instrument that addresses the issue of migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
Lazaro said the DFA has actively advocated labor migration reforms, including the abolition of the Kafala system in the Middle East.
"We have made our voice heard in international fora and engaged with host governments to abolish this oppressive system. We welcome positive labor reforms in the Middle East resulting from this campaign," she said.
The DFA recently led the Philippine delegation in the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held in New York in May 2022.
READ MORE: Middle East countries now ‘more open, willing to listen’ to PH on labor migration issues
The undersecretary also underscored that the DFA pursued cases to seek justice for victims of anti-trafficking and anti-illegal recruitment, including the cases pursued against the employers responsible for the deaths of overseas Filipino workers Joanna Demafelis and Jeanelyn Villavende.
More foreign posts
In 2019, before the pandemic hit the world, eight additional Foreign Service Posts in 2019 were established, expanding the Philippines' international presence and ability to provide services to migrant Filipinos.
Since March 2020, the department has facilitated the repatriation of almost half a million Filipinos from all over the world.
"The safety, welfare and wellbeing of our overseas Filipinos is a shining star of the Duterte Legacy," Lazaro concluded.