Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the importance of assessing the nation’s military standing relative to China, arguing that the government must factor in this disparity when navigating the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking before the Filipino community in Hong Kong on Sunday, November 8, Duterte used a firearm analogy to highlight the country’s defense limitations.
“Totoong mayroon tayong girian sa West Philippine Sea, pero dapat iniisip ng pamahalaan: gaano ba kalaki ang baril ko? Gaano ba kalaki ang baril ng kalaban? Ulo pa lang pinupukpok na ‘yang maliit mo na baril. Kaya kailangan binabalanse lagi ‘yan,” she said.
Duterte maintained that the maritime row should be resolved through diplomatic negotiations rather than confrontational maneuvers at sea or arguments on social media. She advocated for a dedicated team of negotiation and foreign policy experts to represent the Philippines in discussions with Beijing.
Additionally, she highlighted the deep economic ties and employment opportunities linking the two nations.
In response, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminded government officials that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. serves as the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy.
The agency stressed that public officials should align with official foreign policy directions, warning that conflicting statements risk undermining diplomatic leverage.