Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte broke her silence about the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday, Aug. 27, saying foreign policy statements are best addressed by certain agencies.

In her opening statement at the House appropriations committee hearing, Duterte said she is leaving foreign policy matters to appropriate agencies.

“It’s essential to recognize that such decisions are made following established mandates and particular responsibilities are relevant agencies. It is well-settled that the president is the chief architect of foreign policy,” she said.

The vice president has been silent about China’s aggressive moves in the West Philippine Sea.

She has said that she is “in agreement” that Manila’s claims are “firmly anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award.”

“But we must also bear in mind that bilateral relations are not dictated by a singular issue or concern like a territorial dispute, but rather by a comprehensive approach that considers the broader context of shared interests and regional stability,” she said.

Duterte said she appreciates efforts of uniformed personnel who fulfill their duty to serve national interests.

“However, it is crucial to avoid politicizing their sacrifices for media sound bites or social commentary,” she said.