Vice President Sara Duterte clarified her silence on the West Philippine Sea disputes, emphasizing it is not her role to address them.
- Duterte asserted that it is the President who crafts foreign policy.
- She agreed with the Philippines’ claim based on the 2016 Arbitral Award.
- Duterte stressed that bilateral relations are complex and not based on a single issue.
- She called for respect and recognition of the sacrifices made by uniformed personnel.
Vice President Sara Duterte stated that addressing disputes in the West Philippine Sea is not within her jurisdiction. She emphasized that this responsibility lies with relevant agencies.
During a committee hearing, Duterte responded to criticisms surrounding her silence on China’s actions against Filipinos in the contested waters. She highlighted that it is the President’s role to craft foreign policy.
Duterte reaffirmed the Philippines’ stance on the West Philippine Sea, grounded on the 2016 Arbitral Award that dismissed China’s claims. However, she stressed that diplomatic relations should consider broader shared interests.
She noted the importance of not politicizing the sacrifices made by uniformed personnel, urging that their efforts should be recognized with dignity and respect.
Despite the criticisms from various political figures regarding her silence, including concerns from the Akbayan Party and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supported Duterte’s stance, affirming it is not her role to speak on these matters.
Sara Duterte maintains that her silence is due to the specific mandates of her office and the broader framework governing foreign policy.