Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sec. Enrique Manalo. Senate PRIB file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Maintaining a rules-based global order is the responsibility of every country, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (DFA) Enrique Manalo said Sunday during the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
Manalo represented the country at the event held in New York City, USA on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Preserving a rules-based world order is our collective responsibility. The UN is underpinned by a rules-based order governed by international law and informed by the principles of equality and justice,” he said.
The head of the DFA noted that the country is “actively” working with other countries to promote a rules-based international order.
“We advocate peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with international law,” he added.
“This has always been our position regarding the disputes in the West Philippine Sea, to the extent that we are willing to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights and territorial integrity,” he continued.
Manalo also quoted Marcos’ statement that the Philippines is “a friend of all and an enemy of none.”
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“Our Constitution renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to a policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation and friendship with all nations. ” he said.
He also affirmed the country’s victory in the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award, which “definitively settled the status of historic rights and maritime rights in the South China Sea.”
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“For the past seven years we have celebrated the award, which is now part of international law,” Manalo said.
JPV
