Vice Pres. Sara Duterte Speaks on Silence on West PH Sea
SARA DUTERTE – The Vice President revealed the reason behind her silence on the West Philippine Sea issues.
One of the long-standing national issue in the Philippines is the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea. For decades now, it has gathered countless reactions from high-profile personalities and ordinary individuals.
The Arbitral Tribunal ruled siding the Philippines but the decision was not recognized by China. The Chinese government even built structures in the disputed areas and there were several reports of dangerous incidents between the Filipino and Chinese authorities in the disputed areas. The West Philippine Sea tension has heightened and PH wanted to buy coast guard ships from Japan.
Amid several government officials airing their side on the West Philippine Sea issue, many people noticed that Vice Pres. Sara Duterte is silent on it. Recently, the Vice President explained her silence.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, during the hearing of the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations, admitted that her silence may be seen as “a lack of response”. However, based on a report on Inquirer, her decision is made under the obedience to established mandates and the responsibilities of relevant agencies.
Duterte stressed that it is the president who is on top of the foreign policies and there are agencies tasked to implement the measures.
“It is well-settled that the President is the chief architect of foreign policy… It therefore follows that appropriate agencies are tasked with addressing and implementing measures,” the Vice President said.
Since the past few months, Vice Pres. Duterte is surrounded by several issues. It included her departure from the Philippines during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina, the huge number of her security personnel after 75 PNP cops assigned for her security was recalled, and her resignation from the Marcos cabinet.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte has spoken on her relationship with Pres. Bongbong Marcos now after she left his Cabinet. She also ditched the State of the Nation Addresss (SONA) of the President that was held in July.