Senator Imee Marcos urged President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as a special envoy to China as the tensions between the Philippines and China remain high due to the latter’s incursion in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement released on Friday, Marcos pointed out that the appointment of the Presidential daughter or any relative of Duterte is a “very Asian strategy that will lend a personal touch to bilateral talks and also ensure a frank discussion of developments with the President.”
Marcos, a known ally of Duterte, stressed that “diplomatic protests are certainly in order, but constant confrontation delays consensus and is really not the Asian way of solving disagreements.
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Marcos believes that a “verbal ceasefire” is needed between the two countries so the Philippine government can take the bilateral and multi-stage negotiations to the next level.
The lawmaker cited bilateral and multi-state negotiations from joint treaties on fishing, exploration, crime-fighting and coastal management in disputed maritime areas, to complete the joint South China Sea Code of Conduct among ASEAN states and China.
“Besides agreements between member states, the whole ASEAN must also propel a joint Code of Conduct with China to its completion. It’s been almost 20 years since it was proposed and only general terms have so far been agreed [upon]. Let’s finish it ASAP!” Marcos said.
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“Malaysia and Vietnam are showing the way. They’re now finalizing a memorandum of understanding on shared security and use of maritime areas under dispute,” Marcos furthered.
Marcos also recommended the expansion of the policy in pursuing shared interests with other countries, citing the joint naval anti-terrorism force with Malaysia and Indonesia after the Marawi Siege.
“The emphasis of foreign policy is to pursue shared goals rather than just unilateral interests, if harmony is to be achieved,” Marcos said.
Columnist Mon Tulfo was the country’s last special envoy to China whom Duterte appointed in 2018. (RA)
