A lawmaker believes it’s high time for the Philippines to establish a master plan concerning its foreign policy to avoid shifting government positions with each change of presidency.
‘‘What do we want to achieve? Is the endgame just to protect Scarborough? What if the other party goes elsewhere? Have all scenarios been anticipated? What if the countries with us suddenly leave us and compromise with the other side? How are we going to react? These are the things that I want to be clear about,’’ Sen. Joel Villanueva Senate Majority Floor Leader stated.
Those are some of the questions raised by Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva regarding the Philippines’ foreign policy.
The senator wants more confidence in the government’s direction regarding territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The lawmaker acknowledged that Filipinos are divided regarding the country’s sovereignty in the WPS but emphasizes that now is not the time for disunity, as it might be what the enemy wants to happen.
‘‘What I see lacking is a real master plan as to how we would like to handle everything at the end of the day. As a nation, what do we want to accomplish? Who is steering this, right?’’ Sen. Villanueva said.
The Senator shares that from attending various international forums, he notices the unity among leaders of other countries regarding crucial issues.
He also observes political tension but noted that when it comes to defending their country’s interests, their voices have the same tone.
‘‘That’s what I have been asking for. It’s sad because when it’s said that okay, we understand that the president is the architect of our foreign policy, and now you replace the president after 6 years and then you have another foreign policy, right?’’ Villanueva added.
The senator is open to holding meetings with stakeholders from opposing positions but requests that it be done quietly and not publicized.
For now, he emphasizes the importance of Filipinos knowing the truth about our territorial waters and maritime zones to start from there before heading towards any mutually agreed direction.
