Papal nuncio calls for respect for int'l rules

In the presence of China’s envoy, President Marcos and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown yesterday highlighted the importance of respect for international law, with Marcos citing the Filipinos’ “sacrosanct” mandate to defend the country from “those who will try to cross the red lines.”

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Brown, dean of the diplomatic corps, said the world was experiencing “dangerous polarization” when former president Diosdado Macapagal proposed to change the date of the Philippines’ Independence Day.

He lamented that the present geopolitical situation is not so different.

“The end of history did not arrive in the 1990s. History has continued. Polarization and violent conflicts resulting from it are a reality at this moment,” the papal nuncio said at the Independence Day vin d’honneur or formal reception for diplomats at Malacañang.

Marcos, in his remarks during the toast, said the Philippines pursues an independent foreign policy through international engagements that seek to boost existing alliances and build new partnerships with like-minded states.

“Our foreign policy is grounded on the continuing promotion and work for peace, and the continuing promotion and work for our national interest,” Marcos said.

“On the global stage, we have taken positions in support of the rule of law and of the rules-based international order, grounded on the principles laid out in the UN Charter and multilateral conventions,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines would promote diplomacy and dialogue, and strive to enhance engagements with bilateral, regional and multilateral partners, “especially in areas where cooperation has not yet reached its full potential.”

While emphasizing the need for stronger alliances, Marcos said the Philippines continues to fight for its independence and defend everything that it rightfully owns.

“On many occasions, great trials have all the more strengthened our resolve and unified our people because as I have said, ‘Filipinos do not yield,’ ” the President said.

“The struggle for Philippine independence continues to reverberate to this day, not against colonial oppression, but against modern-day challenges.”