Philippines Stands Firm in Fight VS Crime, Corruption and Drugs in Asia Society Forum in New York

Secretary Alan Cayetano delivers a talk at the Asia Society

24 September 2017 -  Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano engaged in a “no holds barred” public discussion at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York moderated by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia.

Speaking before an international audience on 22 September, and gamely answering all their questions in the open forum that followed, Secretary Cayetano addressed many pressing issues involving the Philippines, especially human rights.

Dealing first with the “Elephant in the room”, Secretary Cayetano discussed the Duterte Administration's campaign against illegal drugs.

“We refuse to just watch and do nothing as the Philippines becomes a narco state and as we lose a whole generation to narcotics,” Cayetano said.

In his remarks, Secretary Cayetano pointed out that it is narcotics and not the government's war against illegal drugs that has eroded the rule of law in the Philippines.

According to him, Western countries always react with use of the word 'war' when this is actually a "rule of law campaign" aimed at taking out power from drug lords and narco-politicians and putting it back to law enforcement and the courts.

Secretary Cayetano also addressed concerns on Manila's claims and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.

Naming the issue as the “Panda in the room”, Cayetano said the Philippines has in fact strengthened and not abandoned its claims.

"There is a change in strategy and framework but no change in fighting for our sovereignty and sovereign rights," he said.

In his remarks, the Secretary also discussed the current state of Manila's relations with Washington, by addressing what he called “the Eagle in the room”.

Secretary Cayetano said he is the perfect example of the enduring warm and old friendship between the Philippines and the United States because his mother is American.

While the two countries shall remain friends under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the top Filipino diplomat said there is recalibration or recasting of Philippine-US relations under the independent foreign policy thrust of the Duterte Administration.

The Secretary explained that the Philippines and the US share common values and interests, but these are not necessarily always identical.

Former Prime Minister Rudd commended Secretary Cayetano for addressing all concerns raised during the discussion.

Many in the audience, including members of the US academe, were impressed with the candor and clarity in responding to issues being raised against the Duterte administration.

“His diplomatic policy speech― the elephant, the panda and eagle metaphor― was well written, eloquently delivered and explained. His sense of humor added to lighten the serious topic of foreign affairs subject,” said Edwin Josue, a Filipino-American real estate broker.

"Secretary Cayetano explained fully well and presented the other side of the story that most of us know little about,” added L.P. Pelayo, publisher of Filipino Reporter. END

Secretary Cayetano with the event moderator former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd