THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has maintained that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte remains committed to protecting the territorial claims and maritime entitlement of the Philippines but will pursue a friendly approach in resolving the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). In a statement on Wednesday, the DFA said the Duterte administration believed that the dispute should be resolved further in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations. It added that through the adoption of positive neighborly relations, Filipino fishermen were able to fish again at the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal). The friendly approach of the Duterte government has also brought investment and financial assistance commitments from the country’s partners in the region, including China. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also said that the Duterte Administration was committed to its strategy to strengthen old allies and engage new partner nations.

Source: Manila Times July 12, 2017 02:15 UTC