The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said for the second time in the week that the Philippines adheres to the One-China Policy after President Marcos congratulated Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te on his victory.
DFA on Tuesday, Jan. 16, explained that the President's congratulatory message to his upcoming Taiwanese counterpart was only his way to thank the self-governing island for hosting Filipino workers there.
"The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process," the agency said in a statement.
There are around 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, one of the interests shared by both countries, DFA said.
"Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One-China Policy," it added.
For the first time in a while, DFA on Sunday made a statement, reaffirming the Philippines' adherence to the One-China Policy, a policy that "acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China."
The agency's pronouncement came as Lai, a candidate seen to have strong objection against China's claim over the self-governing island, won the Taiwanese polls—an event that immediately prompted the tiny island country of Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan, in a bid to please China.
On Monday night, Marcos congratulated Lai on his election and said he is looking forward to "close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead."
Lai responded on X by saying he is hoping to enhance Taiwan's economic and people-to-people ties with the Philippines while also championing democracy, peace and prosperity in the region.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said the Taiwanese government is "eagerly" waiting to boost partnership with Manila on shared interests and for a peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.