Ramirez, Joshua

AB in Political Science - PSC31

Political Economy
Estrañero, Jumel
De La Salle University—Dasmariñas

Assessment Paper on Regional Dynamics

Since the beginning of the Aquino administration, China-Philippines relationship did not
end in good terms as the Philippines filed protest against Chinese aggression over the West
Philippines Sea. The altercation was followed the Philippines challenged China in the arbitral
tribunal of the UNCLOS soon thereafter, China refused to participate in the International Court
filed by the Philippines. After 3 years, Philippines won in the legal battle rejecting China’s nine-
dash line claim. It is the most significant victory for the Philippines where the administration
fought and show courage to stand-up for the national interest of the Filipinos. After the Aquino
administration left in 2016, Rodrigo Duterte replaced him to become the next chief architect of
Philippine foreign Policy. During his term, tables have been turned as Duterte administration’s
campaign on anti-Americanism. The past administration’s move stimulated because of criticism
of western nations over the administration’s war on drugs. Soon after, Duterte put an end to
Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). This agreement took place in 1999 where it provides rules and
guidelines of US soldiers and their military exercises inside the Philippine territory.

The current administration has been busy travelling abroad to strengthen Philippines’
diplomatic ties across the world. I think it is the great way to start to attract foreign investors and
to recalibrate the Philippines’s image as the local economy projects to grow in 2023. The
Philippines’ approach should be data-driven and should balance diplomatic ties between powers
in the east and west. Promoting the welfare and development of socio-economic status of
Filipinos are also imperative to showcase our capabilities as a developing nation.

Philippines become much dependent on food imports products. Some Filipinos are
willing to patronize extra pesos on perceived better quality (Gamboa, 2022). Rice Tariffication
law of 2019 allows deregulated rice imports and allows private businesses to increase their
quotas with a tariff of 35% on grains. During Marcos Jr. first trip in the US, he also met top US
companies who express their interest in the Philippines. He added that the companies and the
Philippines could work together to reinforce the aviation and energy sectors of the country. On
the other hand, Marcos Jr. signs several bilateral agreements that includes trade, investments,
infrastructure, and development cooperation while he is in China. It clearly shows that the
Philippines is heading its way loosening its protectionist policy where it attracts multiple foreign
investors to start in our country.

References:

Cook, 2019. The Philippine standoff over China. https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/philippine-standoff-over-china

Parameswaran, 2016. Why the Philippines’s Rodrigo Duterte Hates America. https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/why-the-
philippines-rodrigo-duterte-hates-america/

Jose, 2022. Findings of Rice Tarrification Law review expected by Q1.

https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2022/12/21/494609/findings-of-rice-tariffication-law-review-expected-by-q1/

Romero, 2022. Marcos meets with representatives of US companies.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/09/20/2211032/marcos-meets-representatives-us-companies

Valmonte, 2022. Philippines expected to ink over 10 deals in Marcos state visit to China.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/29/2234066/philippines-expected-ink-over-10-deals-marcos-state-visit-china