Duterte insists West PH Sea et. al. belong to PH

[adroth]

These are pre-inauguration statements. But nevertheless, they are part of the Duterte narrative

Duterte insists West PH Sea, Sabah territories belong to PH
by Rocky Nazareno
May 26, 2016

Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte appears in a press conference at a hotel in Davao City shortly before midnight on Wednesday and lasted for two hours.(MB Photo/ KEITH BACONGCO)duterte

Davao City –  Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte turned his tough talk on China and Malaysia as he maintained that the Philippines would assert its claims over disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea and Sabah.

“Whether you want to believe it or not, that is beside the point. The point is, that is ours,” Duterte said in a press conference early Thursday.

He was referring to territories in the Spartly Islands located in the West Philippine Sea which were claimed by China when the Asian giant established structures in some of the islands.

< Edited >

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/duterte-insists-west-ph-sea-sabah-territories-belong-to-ph/#kUJayDkyq0j0tRFl.99



=====



Duterte's interview with Aljazeera

You be the judge

https://youtu.be/S2KtLTXXej8

2nd Part of the "Talk to Al Jazeera" -- concentrated more on foreign policy.  This video is a continuation of the above video and actually overlaps starting at around 17:00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77qewVIdo3c

[adroth]

Time index 06:55

https://youtu.be/77qewVIdo3c

Arguably, Duterte is banking on the long history of lines of communication between the respective government apparatus of the US and PH to provide alternative static free communication. Not the least of which is SND Delfin Lorenzana who used to be military attache to the US.

My take on his approach: Create tensions with an ally that should be able to weather the stress . . . to mature and broaden the relationship between our countries.

One can only hope that the incoming ambassador (See here) picks up on the breadcrumbs that Duterte has been seeding each time the question of the future of US - PH relations comes up.

His refusal to simply come out and say what he wants is frustrating. But if you piece together what he expects from the US, from the ACTUAL recordings, what he wants out of the US is actually quite clear.

1. Overt support for the Philippine position in the WPS. Arguably in the same league as the US support of the Japanese position in the Senkakus. You can trace this to his "who would die for my country except us?" statement in the video above. Time index 03:18.

2. Full access to equipment as should have been granted by our "Major Non-NATO ally" status. See here

3. Broadened support, beyond military aid, for various initiatives. See here

Arguably if he asks for specifics, those could potentially be all that he gets. By making only the displeasure known . . . and leaving the resolution to the other party . . . he is apparently gambling that we'd get better deals than would otherwise be the case.

His position completely ignores how US-PH got to its current state. Few countries know more about our dirty laundry than the US, so realistically there is a reason why we get treated the way are. They know our screw ups better than most because a lot of them were done in their presence.

The approach that's been advocated in this community for years is that the Philippines should EARN the US's trust. To prove that we have matured as a country. Duterte . . . has other ideas for achieving what are ultimately the same ends: A strong country that can stand with its friends, but is not dependent upon them.

I personally wouldn't have the guts to play "poker" like this. Not with an entire country's well-being in the balance. But I recognize the need for a President to play his or her hand as they see it.

=====

I honestly don't believe he intends to walk away from the US. At least in the manner that a lot of folks fear. I personally believe he is intends to follow India's non-aligned route which pursued mature relations with all the great powers. Why walk away from the US when the goal is to pursue good relations with all.

PH-China relations are at an all-time low, and diplomatically, China has received a black eye because of the Philippine victory at UNCLOS.

So why his tone in the light of Chinese theft of Philippine shoals?

See time index 4:00 in the video above.

[adroth]

Duterte vows to act if China 'siphons minerals' from South China Sea
By Claire Jiao, CNN Philippines
Updated 08:28 AM PHT Fri, December 30, 2016
1.6K13

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/12/30/Duterte-South-China-Sea.html

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The government is prepared to assert its rightful claim if China moves to mine resources in parts of the South China Sea where the country has economic rights, President Rodrigo Duterte has said.

In a one-on-one interview with CNN Philippines on Thursday, the President said he is ready to raise the arbitral ruling recognizing the country's economic rights over the potentially mineral-rich contested waters.

"[I will bring up the ruling] during my time. I cannot let it pass na balewala na lang," Duterte said.

[Translation: I cannot let it pass like it was nothing.]

When asked what circumstance could push the government to do so, Duterte said: "When the minerals are already being siphoned out."

The President said he is ready to negotiate with his Chinese counterparts, but he is also firm he would not stand idly by if Beijing acted alone in exploring Scarborough Shoal.

< Edited >

[adroth]

Philippines issues first protest vs China under Duterte
(Associated Press)  | Updated January 16, 2017 - 4:22pm

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/01/16/1663254/philippines-issues-first-protest-vs-china-under-duterte

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has filed a low-key diplomatic protest with China after a U.S. think thank reported that Beijing appears to have installed anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapons on its man-made islands in the strategically vital South China Sea, the country's top diplomat said Monday.

Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said a note verbale was issued after the report came out last month.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies report said that anti-aircraft guns and close-in weapons systems designed to guard against missile attack have been placed on all seven of China's newly created islands.

Yasay told CNN Philippines that Manila had responded, but did so quietly.

< Edited >

[adroth]

https://twitter.com/chiarazambrano

====

From SND Lorenzana's speech during the 2017 National Security Outlook at the NDCP forum

[adroth]

Adding teeth to claims

Duterte orders AFP to occupy PHL islands in South China Sea

Published April 6, 2017 3:38pm
Updated April 6, 2017 7:01pm
By TRISHA MACAS, GMA News

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to seize islands in undisputed Philippine territory in the South China Sea.

Palace: Independence Day at Pag-asa part of Duterte's independent foreign policy
By Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) | Updated April 7, 2017 - 5:06pm

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/04/07/1688612/palace-independence-day-pag-asa-part-dutertes-independent-foreign

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte's plan to celebrate Independence Day on Pag-asa Island would be symbolic of the administration's independent foreign policy, a Malacañang official said Friday.

FF15 deployed to Pagasa Island for SND Lorenzana's visit

[adroth]

Duterte to China: It's PH duty to 'repair' Pag-asa Island facilities

The Philippine President says repairs of facilities in Pag-asa Island will push through despite China's displeasure
Pia Ranada
@piaranada
Published 6:35 PM, May 01, 2017
Updated 9:05 PM, May 01, 2017

http://www.rappler.com/nation/168536-duterte-philippines-duty-repair-pag-asa-island-facilities   

PUSHING THROUGH. The Philippines will not junk its plans to improve Pag-asa Island facilities, says President Rodrigo Duterte, who is shown here as he visited Chinese warships docked in Davao City on May 1, 2017. Malacañang photo

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte defended his plan to improve facilities in disputed Pag-asa Island amid China's declaration that such activities are "illegal."

"Yes of course, that's part of our duty as a nation," he said when asked by a reporter if he would continue his plans to improve facilities, including a runway and bunkhouses for military, in the island.

Duterte was giving an interview on Monday, May 1, right after visiting 3 Chinese warships docked at Sasa Wharf in Davao City.

Asked about statements from the Chinese embassy calling any activities by the Philippines on Pag-asa Island "illegal," Duterte downplayed the government's plans.

"It's just repairs. Well, they can always look away, look around," he said.

< Edited >

[adroth]

Cayetano: Duterte won't squander arbitral victory over China
Christian Esguerra, ABS-CBN News

Posted at May 11 2017 01:49 AM

http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/05/10/17/cayetano-duterte-wont-squander-arbitral-victory-over-china

PHNOM PENH--President Rodrigo Duterte's incoming foreign secretary assured the public Wednesday his administration would not squander the Philippines' landmark arbitral victory that rejected the basis of Beijing's sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

The Philippines is set to hold bilateral talks on the maritime dispute with China this month with "mutual trust" and "no conditions," said Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who was named to the post shortly before Duterte left for Cambodia.

Cayetano did not say whether last year's ruling by the Hague-based arbitration court would be mentioned in the talks.

But he insisted Duterte was meeting his objectives and was making "a giant step forward."

"Walang masasayang sa past efforts. Lahat ng past efforts--from President Marcos and even before, to President Aquino's--wala tayong sasayangin," Cayetano told reporters here.

< Edited >

[adroth]

DFA chief Cayetano: Trust Duterte's approach on territorial dispute with China
Published May 22, 2017 9:46am

Newly-appointed Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday asked Filipinos to trust President Rodrigo Duterte's approach in protecting the Philippines' territorial integrity while improving relations with China.

"He has told us many many times that he is committed to protecting our territorial integrity, he will protect every single inch of our territory. But trust him on how he will do it and how he will approach it," Cayetano said in a press conference on his first day as secretary of Foreign Affairs.

The former senator was explaining Duterte's remarks last Friday.

The President was hitting back at criticisms that he had gone soft on the South China Sea issue by refusing to bring up the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, that invalidated China's territorial claims.

Duterte said during the speech that he had insisted in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping the Philippines' sovereign rights over some disputed territories in the South China Sea.

Duterte said Xi responded: "Well we are friends. We do not want to quarrel with you... We want to maintain the present warm relationship. But if you force the issue, we will go to war."

Cayetano said during the press conference that Duterte could have been forced to make the remarks because "he was being barraged by comments of what he should do."

< Edited >

- See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/611654/dfa-chief-cayetano-trust-duterte-s-approach-on-territorial-dispute-with-china/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=news#sthash.iODvtMcT.dpuf

[adroth]

Cayetano praises Del Rosario in ASEAN forum
Paterno Esmaquel II
@paterno_ii
Published 4:11 PM, August 05, 2017
Updated 4:13 PM, August 05, 2017

http://www.rappler.com/nation/177786-cayetano-del-rosario-asean-forum?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nation

RARE MEETING. Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano interacts with his predecessor, Albert del Rosario, in a think tank forum on ASEAN held at the Manila Polo Club on August 4, 2017. Photo by Maria Tan/Rappler
   
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano praised his predecessor, Albert del Rosario, in a think tank forum on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings this week.

Cayetano spoke at a forum on ASEAN organized by the Stratbase-Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRI) on Friday, August 4. Stratbase-ADRI is named after and chaired by Del Rosario.

In a rare instance, Cayetano addressed Del Rosario in his speech on Friday.

"To those who have worked so hard here to protect our national territory and our sovereignty, just like our former secretary, may I assure you that we may have different strategies, but we have the same objectives, sir," Cayetano said.

It was under Del Rosario's leadership of the DFA that the Philippines filed a historic case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). The Philippines won this case in July 2016.

< Edited >

In his speech on Friday, Cayetano defended, too, the Duterte administration's foreign policy, in the face of criticisms.

"Looking at the reaction or non-reaction of some of you here today, I know that sometimes you think the Duterte administration is too naive, and sometimes you would think they're too paranoid. But we're somewhere in the middle," Cayetano said.

"If you're too naive, of course other countries' foreign policy and interests will run over you. Sometimes kindness is taken as weakness. But if you're too paranoid, nothing will get done, and we're trying to find that middle ground," he added.

< Edited >

[adroth]

PH not giving up claim to Spratlys, Duterte to tell China’s Xi at APEC
By Jenny Rose Dongon, News5 | November 8, 2017, 7:35 AM

http://www.interaksyon.com/ph-not-giving-up-claim-to-spratlys-duterte-to-tell-chinas-xi-at-apec/

President Rodrigo Duterte at the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Marines. (image from News5 video)
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said he would stress that the Philippines is not giving up its claim to its territory in the Spratly Islands when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam this week.

Speaking at the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps on Tuesday, Duterte expressed appreciation for the the assistance, including military aid, China and other countries had given towards defeating the extremist gunmen who had occupied Marawi City fo five months since May.

However, he said, this would not be enough to give up the Philippines’ claims to its territory in the South China Sea.

He recalled telling Xi: “Do not do … We will not give up our claims sa (to) Pag-asa pati ‘yung (and) the nearby islands that we have occupied already. Small islands.”

Xi, he said, replied: “We will not.”


“And with this assurance he gave to the Foreign Secretary na hindi niya galawin (he will not touch it) … he will not build something on the Scarborough Shoal,” he added.

< Edited >

[adroth]

Progress.

FINALLY . . . the PN's own FB page shows improvements to BRP Sierra Madre

https://www.facebook.com/navalforceswest/posts/1448060261915503



That means . . . information about these improvements are fair game. This how the garrison NOW looks on Google Maps.



This is how it looked during the previous administration. Contrast this with the condition of the ship today. Details of what else has been done within the vessel are not open to the public.

[adroth]

Pieces to a puzzle

House panel passes bill declaring Kalayaan Islands as 'alienable, disposable land'
By CNN Philippines Staff

Updated 17:00 PM PHT Tue, December 26, 2017

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/12/26/house-panel-kalayaan-islands.html

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — A House panel has approved a measure seeking to declare the Kalayaan Island group in Palawan as "alienable and disposable land."

In a statement Tuesday, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed House Bill 5614, covering nine islands and three reefs in 730,000 square meter area in the South China Sea.

The bill was authored by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and House Majority Floor Leader Rudy Fariñas.

One of the eight islands in the Kalayaan Group is Pag-asa Island, where Chinese vessels were reported to have been seen in August. The island is within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the country, and the seat of the Kalayaan municipal government.

< Edited >

Bill authors Alvarez and Fariñas claimed the declaration is urgent to promote permanent dwelling and a source of livelihood for its residents. The declaration, according to the lawmakers, will promote business opportunities and trade and industry in the area by attracting investors.

< Edited >

The bill also aims to secure land for the residents in the municipality.

"Even residents who have been long tilling and developing the parcels of land within the Kalayaan Island Group cannot apply for title for their occupied area," the statement added.

< Edited >

The statement added that during the House panel's hearing, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff LtGen. Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. mentioned key points in the development plans for the island group amounting to ₱11.6 billion:

enhancement of island habitability ;
construction of a mooring space for Philippine Navy vessels and other vessels;
upgrading the island's defense structures ;
improvement of roads and air strip; and
provision of water, power and communication facilities.

[adroth]

PH hopes to finish beaching ramp in Spratlys by early 2018
By: Frances Mangosing - Reporter / @FMangosingINQINQUIRER.net / 04:03 PM November 07, 2017

The Philippines hopes to complete the construction of a beaching ramp on Pagasa Island (Thitu Island) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) by early 2018.

The construction of a beaching ramp is the first stage of the upgrade of the facilities in the disputed island. It will allow ships to dock so that heavy construction materials could be delivered.

Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said on Tuesday that the monsoon rains have hampered the construction of the ramp.

ADVERTISEMENT

“While its construction is ongoing albeit intermittently depending on good weather, we expect its completion by early 2018,” he told reporters.

When the beaching ramp is constructed, the government can further improve the rest of the facilities in the island, including the repair of the runway.

< Edited >

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/161508/west-philippine-sea-south-china-sea-pagasa-island-thitu-island-beaching-ramp-spratlys#ixzz4xu29G59w
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

From: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/SARO/2017/SARO%20RELEASES%20AS%20OF%20DECEMBER%2022,%202017.pdf

[adroth]

Duterte stops foreign research over Benham Rise
ABS-CBN News
Posted at Feb 06 2018 09:40 AM

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/06/18/duterte-stops-foreign-research-over-benham-rise

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a stop to all research done by foreigners on Benham Rise and directed the Navy to "chase out" any vessel doing such, Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol said Tuesday.

Quoting the President during a Cabinet meeting on Monday, Piñol said: "Let me be very clear about this: the Philippine Rise is ours and any insinuation that it is open to everybody should end with this declaration."

< Edited >