JALDO, MARI BIENNE D.

BSE-English/Chinese 4A
MODULE 3 – NEWS STORY
Four Presidential candidates take on the Foreign Policy Issue
At the Sonshine Media news International (SMNI) Presidential debate held last
Tuesday, Feb 15, in Okada Manila. One of the panelists, University of the
Philippines Professor Clarita Carlos asked the aspirants if they will make the
Philippines as a member of the quad.
Sec. Norbereto Gonzales answered that we will always be part of such
arrangements. He added, “dapat lagi kasi may makakasama tayo kung may mga
hinahaharap tayong mga problema sa mundo. Kaya, kung may mga
arrangements na ganyan dapat pinapasok natin.”
Sec. Ernie Abella emphasized that the Philippines needs to retain an inventory
Foreign policy. It is where the Philippines can still maintain relationships to the
two great powers but not to join, in order to maintain the independent stance
of the Philippines.
While, Sen. BongBong Marcos said, “we should of course encourage to join as
long as, it is very clear to us what is the advantage to the Philippines.” He also
negates the statement of Prof. Clarita saying that the quad is an extension of a
big powers – which are trying to carve a sphere of influence – as a cold war
thinking which does not exist in the modern geopolitics.
Throughout their discussion, Sen. Marcos also gave his insight about the issue of
China and the West Philippine Sea as to his stand on the Foreign Policy.
Whereas, Ka Leody De Guzman disagrees joining the quad and also wants the
Philippines to become unaligned with the Capitalists countries. He added that
Philippines must cut ties with its allied countries, as these relationships will only
make the Philippines “phone” during their wars.
These relationships include the following as he stated; military agreement in US,
mutual defense treaty, BFA, EDCA, relationship with China.
Ka Leody elaborates his statement “ending relationship” with other countries by
having an agreement with them, and to establish a new agreement to countries
who are able to respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The SMNI Presidential Debate receives compliments from the citizens, as well as
with Prof. Clarita Carlos who is commendable in giving follow-up questions.
Source:
SMNI NEWS FB Page https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=466393318314591