Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 2) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is not ruling out the possibility of elevating the issue of China’s incursions in Philippine waters to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), based on pronouncements made by DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo to senators.
He said that is one of the options, that option is on the table,” Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri told reporters on Wednesday.We presented this to them and Secretary Manalo did not object. Sabi niya magaganda itong mga options na ito, ang pinaplano na namin yung mga susunod natin na hakbang,” he added.[Translation: He said these options are good, we are already planning our next steps.]Senators had an executive session with Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Monday.This was convened after senators failed to agree on opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros’ proposal to urge the DFA to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA calling on China to stop harassing Filipino vessels.On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen, the navy and coast guard, and other “illegal actions” in the West Philippine Sea. It listed the UNGA route as among the DFA’s possible options.In a statement, the DFA acknowledged Senate Resolution 718, which it said: “suggested actions the executive branch pursue to address the actions by China.All future diplomatic initiatives, both in the bilateral and multilateral realm, particularly the choice of modalities, fora and timing, will be carefully assessed and calibrated to ensure that these will promote the national interest and bring optimal benefits for the country,” it added.The DFA further said the government has a sustained program to promote the important contribution of the 2016 Arbitral Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to the Philippines.In a separate interview, Hontiveros said she appreciated that the executive did not oppose the resolution during their closed-door meeting.So there was that openness of mind na naappreciate ko at yung paghawak nila ng responsibilidad na sila nga ang gagawa niyan [that I appreciate and the assumption of responsibility that they will do it] which I respect,” she added.
