foreign policy

Sen. Bam: Senate probe on foreign policy, China deals long overdue

Stressing that a serious investigation on the government’s dealings with China is long overdue, Sen. Bam Aquino renewed his call for a Senate probe into the direction of the country’s foreign policy.

On September 19, 2016, Sen. Bam filed Resolution No. 158 seeking to clarify the country’s foreign policy direction to determine the administration’s position on several issues, including the West Philippine Sea, Benham Rise and other dealings with China.

 “Importanteng malaman ng Senado at ng taumbayan ang foreign policy ng administrasyon, lalo na sa pakikitungo nito sa China. This is a serious issue and the Philippines has too much to lose,” said Sen. Bam, saying the probe will center on the details of deals entered into by the government with China, especially on the conduct of maritime scientific research in the Benham Rise or now known as Philippine Rise.

“Kailangang suriin ang laman ng kasunduang pinasok ng pamahalaan sa China. Hindi pupuwedeng dehado rito ang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam.

“If these deals will truly benefit the Filipino people, there shouldn’t be anything to hide,” added Sen. Bam.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that it has approved China’s request that it be allowed to conduct maritime scientific research in the Benham Rise, with the blessing of President Duterte.

Sen. Bam also called on the government to assert the country’s victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the West Philippine Sea issue, saying it will go down the drain if not implemented.

Statement of Opposition Senators Aquino, Drilon, Hontiveros, Pangilinan, and Trillanes on De Lima’s Award

We warmly congratulate Sen. Leila de Lima for being named by Foreign Policy as one of 2017’s leading Global Thinkers. FP could not have bestowed this award on a more deserving public servant. 
 
Sen. Leila’s dedication to the cause of justice and human rights in the country, especially where it concerns the brutal war on drugs that has taken thousands of lives in the span of a year, has not gone unnoticed. 
 
Her steadfast convictions have captured the interest of people all over the world and have started a global conversation that throws into sharp focus the dangers and abuses happening under this administration’s ruthless anti-drug campaign. 
 
Despite her detention, she remains true to her principles, and is resolute and unwavering in her beliefs. Sen. Leila’s continued battle gives hope and courage to those who feel helpless amid the rampant injustices in our society. 
 
We are proud to have such an indomitable spirit among our ranks, and we will stand by her as she carries on with her campaign against injustice and human rights abuses in our country. 
 
This award serves as a reminder to all of us that you can never put a strong woman down, much less one who sides with truth.

Sen. Bam to gov’t: Be transparent on foreign policy direction

A senator called on the government to be transparent and clear on its independent foreign policy direction, especially in dealings with other countries in terms of aids and loans, and its position regarding the militarization of Philippine territories.

 “Kailangang maging malinaw ang pamahalaan sa taumbayan ukol sa direksiyon nito sa foreign policy.  Filipinos deserve to know dahil sila ang direktang maaapektuhan, lalo na sa trabaho, negosyo at presyo ng bilihin,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.

“Sa takbo ng mga pangyayari, mukhang Palasyo lang ang nakakaalam ng mga detalye sa direkisyon na nais nilang tahakin. Kailangan nila itong isapubliko para sa kaalaman ng taumbayan,” the senator added.

 The lawmaker issued the pronouncement after the government announced that it will no longer accept development aid from the European Union (EU). The move will result in the loss of around 250 million Euros or P13.9 billion worth of grants mostly allocated to Muslim communities.

“The administration’s refusal to receive aid seems like a contradictory move to its proposal to raise taxes. If we are refusing aid because we are self-sufficient, why are we then planning to burden our countrymen with more taxes that might raise prices of goods even higher,” he added.

In addition, a report surfaced recently that China has installed rockets on the disputed Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef, which is being disputed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

 “Dapat nating malaman ang opisyal na posisyon at mga gagawing hakbang ng pamahalaan upang mapigil ang mga ganitong pagkilos sa mga isla na itinuturing nating bahagi ng ating bansa,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Last year, Sen. Bam has filed Senate Resolution No. 158, urging the government to clarify the country’s stand on different foreign policy issues.

It was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, then headed by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, but no hearing is held until now. Cayetano will assume the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) portfolio in the coming days after he was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) last Wednesday.

Bam renews call to probe PH foreign policy, gov’t stand on Panatag Shoal, Benham Rise

A senator renewed his call to look into the country’s foreign policy direction following President Duterte’s latest pronouncements over Benham Rise and Panatag Shoal.

Last Sept. 19, 2016, Sen. Bam Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 158, urging the government to clarify the country’s stand on different foreign policy issues. It was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

 Sen. Cayetano expressed willingness to conduct a hearing on the matter. However, six months had passed and, until now, no date has been set for the hearing.

 In addition, Sen. Bam insisted that the government must enlighten the Senate on the agreement that President Duterte allegedly entered into with China in connection with the Benham Rise. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), for its part, was not informed about the deal.

“Mayroon ba talagang kasunduan na nangyari? At kung mayroon man, dapat ipaalam ng pamahalaan sa Senado ang nilalaman nito upang mapag-aralan at malaman ng taong bayan,” said Sen. Bam, who plans to call officials of the DFA, Department of National Defense and the Office of the President to clarify the matter.

Last year, Sen. Bam filed the resolution due to President Duterte’s different pronouncements on important foreign policy issues.

Aside from Sen. Bam, three other senators backed the resolution, including Sens. Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan and Leila de Lima.

In a joint statement, the four senators expressed support behind Duterte’s push for an independent foreign policy but stressed that it must protect and champion the interest of the Filipino people.

The lawmakers also want the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Trade and Investments to “explain the ramifications of the President’s latest foreign policy pronouncements on Filipinos living here and abroad”.

Sen. Bam supports building economic ties with China

Senator Bam Aquino welcomed President Duterte’s decision to engage in economic ties with China, saying the government “must choose only what’s best for our country”, especially in providing jobs and livelihood to Filipinos.

“Kung ano ang pinakamainam at pinakamaganda sa ating bansa, iyon po ang i-explore natin. That is why I’m supportive of the moves to get more investments from China,” Sen. Bam said during a radio interview.

 “I don’t think na ibig sabihin ng pagkuha ng investments sa China ay may aawayin tayo na ibang bansa o ibang rehiyon gaya ng European Union,” the senator stressed.

“Hindi naman ho ibig sabihin na kung kaibigan natin ang China, kaaway natin ang Amerika. Kahit naman po ang Amerika at China ay may trade deals at pakikitungo sa isa’t-isa,” added Sen. Bam.

While Duterte’s push for an independent foreign policy is constitutional, Sen. Bam believes that it should not lead to burning bridges with current allies, led by the United States and EU.

 “We cannot cut ties with them dahil maraming Pilipino ang nakatira at nagtatrabaho doon at marami rin silang mga investment dito,” said Sen. Bam.

Earlier, Sen. Bam filed Senate Resolution No. 158, urging the government to clarify the country’s stand on different foreign policy issue.

 Sen. Bam made the move due to contradicting statements given by President Duterte and other government officials on different foreign policy issues.

Sen. Bam has been working to provide jobs, livelihood and education to more Filipinos as chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress and head of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress.

Bam: Senate to review gov’t foreign policy

The Senate will soon conduct a review of the government’s foreign policy to clarify the direction it wants to take in terms of international relations, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

Sen. Bam said Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, expressed willingness to conduct a hearing on the matter.

“There was openness on the part of Sen. Cayetano to have the hearing, so I hope he will schedule it soon,” said Sen. Bam, who filed a Senate Resolution No. 158, urging the government to clarify the country’s stand on different foreign policy issue.

Sen. Bam stressed the urgency to conduct an investigation amid President Duterte’s threat to end the Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“Mahalagang malinawan tayo kung anong direksiyon ba ang nais tahakin ng pamahalaan pagdating sa foreign policy,” said Sen. Bam.

Aside from the EDCA issues, government officials also issued contradicting statements on different foreign policy issues, such as joint maritime patrols and the stationed American troops in Mindanao.

“I hope we can clear up these statements soon so that our strategies to protect our territory and develop our economy are aligned with the administration,” Sen. Bam stressed.

As provided in Article 2, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Bam said a clear strategic foreign policy is integral to the country’s development.

“Our relations with members of the international community have bearing on our ability to protect our territory and environment, develop our economy, and promote the welfare and well-being of our citizens,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Bam: Clear policy essential to country’s economic development

A senator urged the government to lay down a clear foreign policy direction, saying it is essential to the economy and the country’s development as a nation.

 Sen. Bam Aquino has filed Senate Resolution No. 158, urging the government to clarify the country’s stand on different foreign policy issues amid varying statements by President Duterte and other administration officials.

 ​​“Given recent statements coming from the President and senior government officials, there is a need to clarify government’s position and engagements with its neighbors and allies,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

 ​​“This is to assure the Filipino public and international community that we are pursuing a clear and coherent foreign policy that is most beneficial to the country,” he added.

 Sen. Bam saw the need for clarification after contrasting claims by several government officials on different foreign policy issues​, such as our joint maritime patrols and ​​the stationed American troops in Mindanao.​

 ​“I hope we can clear up these conflicting statements soon so that our strategies to protect our territory and develop our economy are aligned with the administration,” Sen. Bam stressed.

 As provided in Article 2, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Bam said a clear strategic foreign policy is integral to the country’s development.

 ​“Our relations with members of the international community have bearing on our ability to protect our territory and environment, develop our economy, and promote the welfare and well-being of our citizens,” Sen. Bam stressed.

 

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