PTV News Online
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte faced world leaders online as they came together in the high-level general debate at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday, 9:00 PM Philippine time and 9:00 in the morning New York time.
Battling the Pandemic
As 12th speaker, the Philippine president laid out the national policies espoused by his administration that are anchored on the timeless and borderless values of friendship and unity not only in the local scenario but in the global level as well, as the world faces the common threats of the COVID-19 Pandemic, terrorism and territorial disputes.
In the first part of his speech, President Duterte talked about the biggest test the world and UN have faced since World War II, the Corona virus disease 2019 (COIVD-19) pandemic “that has taken many lives and wrecked economies and social order”.
While giving credence to “all frontliners who put up their lives on the line even in countries not their own”, and expressed our very own country’s grief “with all of the families all over the world who lost their loved ones to this horrible virus,” the Filipino chief executive posed the challenge to the UN as an institution and its members “to make significant changes. We need to be bold. We need the same collective courage that finally made the UN a reality 75 years ago”.
He reminded member-nations of the mission and vision that the UN conceptualized more than seven decades ago as he cited the race to find safe and effective vaccines against the deadly virus and “to ask ourselves whether or not we have remained true and faithful to the UN principles and ideas”.
“When the world finds that vaccines, access to it must not be denied nor withheld. It should be made available to all rich and poor nations alike as a matter of policy.”
Pres. Duterte also “welcome(d) the launch of the UN COVID response and recovery fund, ensuring universal access to anti-COVID-19 technologies and products pivotal in the global pandemic recovery.”
He expressed unity with ASEAN partners and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the call for the vaccine to be considered as “a global public good.” He likewise called for a World Health Organization (WHO) “that is quick to coordinate and quicker to respond.”
Territorial Disputes
The Philippine leader is known to be in amicable terms with China despite tension in the West Philippine Sea. He echoed this principle as he appealed for a more peaceful relationship with stakeholders in the South China Sea, Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and Africa.
“If we cannot be friends as yet then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much,” he stated.
“And as amplified by the 1982 Manila declaration on the peaceful settlement with the national disputes. The Philippines affirmed that commitment with the South China Sea in accordance with the 2016 arbitral award… We welcome the increasing number of states that have come in support of the award and what it stands for,” he added.
Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global threats, President Duterte demanded the rededication of nations to multilateralism, citing the UN as a humanities-essential organization that can only be “as effective as we make it.”
Amid closure of most economies due to the health crisis, President Duterte reported that the Philippines has resorted to an “unprecedented repatriation” of more than 345,000 OFWs. With this, he urged for improved cooperation in protecting migrants’ rights regardless of their status.
The Filipino leader assured that despite the downward pressure on growth, the Philippines remains “committed to these sustainable development goals.”
Human Rights Protection
The Philippine Chief Executive disclosed that several groups have “weaponized human rights” for various intentions. These groups attempt to “discredit the functioning institutions and mechanisms of a democratic country and a popularly elected government.”
President Duterte bared that these “detractors” mask themselves as human rights advocates while “preying on the most vulnerable humans” and even children, “They hide their misdeeds under the blanket of human rights but the blood oozes through.”
The Philippine President suggested that a compromise may be attained through open dialogue and constructive engagement with the United Nations. However, it must be done “in full respect of the principles of objectivity, noninterference, non-selectivity and genuine dialogue.”
Counter-Terrorism
To counter terrorism, he informed the world leaders about the 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act that “shores up the legal framework by focusing on both terrorism and usual reckless response to it.” Moreover, he ensured that the Philippines “will do everything and partner with anyone who would sincerely desire to protect the innocent from terrorism in all its manifestations.”
The President has guaranteed that the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act was done “in pursuant to the country’s committed and strict adherence to the relevant security council resolution, and to the UN global counter terrorism strategy.”
Humanitarian Initiatives
President Duterte shared in his speech the history of the Philippines on “opening its doors” to refugees. He reassured that the country will continue to honor the humanitarian tradition in adherence with its obligation under the 1951 Convention of the Status of Refugees and the 1967 protocol.
“As I have said many times, the doors of the Philippines are open, as they have always been, to everyone fleeing for safety, such as the Rohingyas.”
He reminded fellow leaders that helping the most vulnerable is a “shared responsibility” of all countries. “In the face of a mounting refugee crisis worldwide, let us work together towards ending the conflicts and conditions that force people to flee their homes.”
The Philippine President expressed gratitude towards the gallant peacekeepers who “advance the cause of peace in the most difficult situations.”
He announced that the country is committed to “increasing Philippine footprint” in the UN peacekeeping operation with increased participation of women.
“Let us empower the UN, reform it to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Let us strengthen it so it can fully deliver its mandate to maintain peace and security, uphold justice and human rights, and promote freedom and social progress for all,” the Philippine President encouraged.
He ended his speech reminding world leaders that they are after all the “united nations.”
As the UN marks its 75th anniversary with its 193 member-states, the Philippines has also marked its first attendance in the UNGA since Pres. Duterte was elected into power in 2016.
Chief of Presidential Protocol for Foreign Affairs Robert Borje earlier explained that the selection for speakers in the debate is based on “a complex algorithm” which also considers “the seniority of the heads of state, royalty, or government.”
