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PRESIDENT Duterte’s long-awaited debut before the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday evening (early morning Manila time) was marked with a firm affirmation of the Philippines’ rights in the China Sea. Southern, anchored in a UN convention and a 2016 arbitration decision.
At the unprecedented virtual assembly, he also addressed other global threats, including the Covid-19 pandemic, terrorism, as well as “flash points” that could lead to a world war.
In his 19-minute speech to the UNGA, Duterte raised the 2016 arbitration award on the South China Sea, saying the Philippines strongly rejects attempts to undermine it. Now, being “part of international law,” it is “beyond all compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon,” Duterte said.
Before an international audience, Duterte finally said that he “affirms that commitment in the South China Sea in accordance with the UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 Arbitration Award.
On Wednesday, his approach to the SCS arbitration ruling received praise from many quarters, including those who have repeatedly attacked his apparent softness on China.
Special occasion
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque explained Wednesday that Duterte used the occasion to emphasize the country’s position on the matter because of its importance.
“The forum where he addressed himself, where he delivered his line is a multilateral forum, the United Nations, and does not involve bilateral ties specifically with China,” Roque said in an interview with CNN.
He said this would ultimately address criticism that Duterte is downplaying the relevance of the arbitration award in exchange for better diplomatic relations with China.
Roque reiterated that the Philippines will continue to maintain its bilateral ties with China even if both countries still have “territorial problems” in the South China Sea.
“We will continue with all other aspects of our relationship and we will probably accept the fact that there will be no resolution in the near future in regards to the territorial dispute, but let’s proceed with matters that we could move forward such as investment and trade,” said Roque .
Public good
Duterte also highlighted the importance of international cooperation during the pandemic, which has already infected more than 31 million people.
Containing the spread of the pandemic, he said, will depend on “ensuring universal access to anti-Covid-19 technologies, including the vaccine for it …”. When the world finds that vaccine, it must not be denied or denied access to it. It should be available to everyone, rich and poor countries alike, as a matter of policy, ”Duterte said.
“The Philippines joins our partners ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement to raise our collective voice: the Covid-19 vaccine should be seen as a global public good. Let’s be clear on this, ”he added.
Migrant protection
In the midst of the crisis, he called on UN members to ensure the safety of all migrant workers, including Filipino Overseas Workers (OFW), adhering to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. “
He thanked countries that assisted in the repatriation of “roughly half” so far of the 345,000 OFW who needed to return home during the pandemic, as closures around the world shattered economies and businesses, displacing millions of workers. .
In response to such assistance for OFWs, the country, he said, pioneered the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Green Lane, which enabled safe crew changes in the country, benefiting not only Filipino seafarers, but also to other nationalities.
International peace
Duterte also sought to defuse global conflicts that were brewing at flashpoints, which, he said, could escalate to full-scale war.
To deter the outbreak of such conflict, he called on UN members to fully implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions.
