Department of Foreign Affairs Sec. Enrique Manalo. Senate PRIB file photo
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The preservation of a rules-based global order is every nation鈥檚 responsibility, said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo during the 78th United Nations General Assembly on Sunday.
at the event held in New York City, USA on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
鈥淭he preservation of a rules-based global order is our collective responsibility. The UN is underwritten by a rules-based order governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice,鈥� he said.
The DFA chief noted that the country is 鈥渁ctively鈥� working with other nations to promote a rules-based international order.
鈥淲e advocate the peaceful settlement of disputes, in accordance with international law,鈥� he added.
鈥淭his has always been our position with respect to the disputes in the West Philippine Sea, inasmuch as we are prepared to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights and territorial integrity,鈥� he furthered.
Manalo also quoted Marcos鈥檚 statement that the Philippines is a 鈥渇riend to all and enemy to none.鈥�
READ:
鈥淥ur Constitution renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to a policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations,鈥� he said.
He likewise affirmed the country鈥檚 winning in the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea which 鈥渄efinitively settled the status of historic rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea.鈥�
鈥淔or the past seven years, we have celebrated the Award, which is now part of international law,鈥� Manalo said.