Del Rosario: Why are Filipinos chastised for defending Philippine territory?

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario over the weekend questioned why Filipinos are being chastised for wanting to defend the country against China, which has continued to impose its presence in Philippine territory.

In a statement addressed to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Del Rosario responded to recent remarks made by President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the West Philippine Sea, in which he again claimed that sending soldiers to defend the territory would end in a war that would be difficult to win.

"We would like to ask, Mr. Secretary, why our fellow Filipinos are being chastised for wanting to defend our country, rather than China? Why are we giving more importance to China over that of our own people?" he asked.

Duterte in a speech last Monday claimed that that the Philippines lost the West Philippine Sea during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino, under whom Del Rosario served as the country's top diplomat.

"If you are bright, why did we lose the West Philippine Sea? This was during your time. It was the time when you were in office. If you are bright, why was this (territory) lost? Now China has a hold on the area, I am the one you chide to do something about it," Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino.

It was during Del Rosario's tenure as Foreign Affairs Secretary that he -- along with former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio -- was at the forefront of the Philippines' case against China's claims regarding the West Philippine Sea. Manila eventually won the case.

China has refused to acknowledge the ruling, and just earlier this month at least six Chinese warships and 240 Chinese militia vessels were found scattered in territorial waters off Kalayaan in Palawan and the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

Duterte did invoke the ruling in a speech before the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, but has since repeatedly said the country will not be able to defend it in case of war.

"[W]hy is the palace saying that there is no possibility that the Arbitral outcome can be enforced? There are various ways to enforce the outcome, one of which is to submit our case before the UN General Assembly to compel China to abide by the rule of law," said Del Rosario.

"There are several precedents that have resulted in which a small country has won over a much larger country in the UN General Assembly," he added.

Del Rosario also questioned why the administration is downplaying the ruling's significance, when it is being recognized by other countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and others.

In the same statement, Del Rosario also clarified that he was not seeking a position or political favor, saying "I am not brave nor am I a coward." — DVM, GMA News