DFA wants bigger US role in Asia-Pacific

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario agrees to a return of greater involvement by the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, especially now that Manila and Washington are strengthening bilateral relations.

During a forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Mandarin Hotel in Makati City on Friday, Del Rosario said it is time that the US regain its strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“It can be applied for US attention. The attention of the US has not been in our region in the past. It was focused in the Middle East. We did not get much attention. We want considerable attention,” he said.

“Clearly before the US played a bigger role in Asia-Pacific. We want them to consider to assume this role again, simply that,” he added.

Del Rosario said the US, through 14 departments, is trying to help Philippine government offices to achieve broad-based economic growth as well as in the fulfillment of the country’s obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“The US itself is doing that now. We are also working on structural initiatives to raise the quality of bilateral relation with US to a higher level,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario recently visited the US on the invitation of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, to seek support for the South China Sea dispute.

During their meeting at the State Department on June 23, Clinton gave Del Rosario a strong statement of assurance that the US will honor its commitment to the Philippines under the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951.

The treaty states: “Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

The Philippine government also sought help in strengthening the capability of the Navy through the lease of patrol boats.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed readiness to strengthen the Philippines’ capability in securing its maritime territory during his meeting with Del Rosario at the Pentagon on June 24.

In a separate meeting with Del Rosario, US National Director for Intelligence James Clapper pledged to enhance the NDI’s intelligence sharing with the Philippines to heighten surveillance in the West Philippine Sea.

Del Rosario conveyed to US defense officials that to complement the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) which the US traditionally turns over to the Philippines, he is exploring an option to access newer US military assets.

US Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michelle Fluornoy promised to review the Philippines’ requirements for maritime security. 

During the American Independence Day celebration at the US embassy in Manila on Friday, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. reiterated their support for the Philippines.

“Together, we harbor the same hope for the future of the Philippines that President Aquino shares with his nation, we marvel at the indomitable will and irrepressible spirit of the Filipino people, and we pledge to be an ally of the Filipino people long into the future. This is what it means to be American. And this is what it means to be a friend,” he added.