Duterte: Govt to pursue independent foreign policy

DAVAO CITY President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said his administration

will pursue an independent foreign policy and will reject any attempts at meddling by
foreign governments.

This meant that the government will adopt and implement policies that would
safeguard its national interests and to achieve goals within its international relations
environment.

The 1987 Constitution states that The State shall pursue an independent foreign
policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national
sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to self-determination.

Duterte said advancing the interest of the country was his focused objective
when he attended the 28th and 29th Asean Summit and Related Summits in Laos.
He was engaged in the leaders of Asean and its dialogue partners on important regional
and international issues that impact on peace, security, stability and prosperity of the
Philippines.

Duterte made the remarks upon his arrival in Davao City, after his trips to Laos
for the ASEAN summit and a working visit to Indonesia. That the Philippines must
pursue an independent foreign policy when it comes to the relations to the world. The
Philippines will observe and insist on the time-honored principle of sovereignty,
sovereign equality, non-interference and the commitment of peaceful settlements of
dispute that will serve the people of the Philippines and the protection of the interest of
the country.