Stronger Asean for a more secure Philippines

For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, security at sea is inseparable from the daily lives of our people. It affects the fisherman going out before sunrise, the ships carrying fuel and food and the businesses that depend on reliable deliveries. When we discuss defense cooperation, these are the interests we must keep firmly in mind.

The proposal announced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Cebu last Wednesday for a US-ASEAN Framework for Defense Cooperation therefore deserves serious consideration. Speaking before Southeast Asian defense chiefs, he called for a practical framework to guide cooperation over the coming years, including stronger maritime awareness and closer cooperation among naval forces.

There are important details still to be worked out. A proposed framework should not be mistaken for an agreement already concluded, much less a new collective defense treaty. Its value will ultimately depend on what participating countries are prepared to contribute, what activities they agree to undertake and whether these produce measurable improvements in regional security.

The Philippines should take an active part in shaping this discussion. We have every reason to support arrangements that strengthen our ability to protect our people and exercise our lawful rights. We also have a responsibility to ensure that cooperation serves our national interests and contributes to a more stable neighborhood.

One of the more useful points Hegseth made was his recognition that the United States and ASEAN need not agree on everything to cooperate where their interests meet. That is a realistic basis for diplomacy. Countries have different histories, security concerns and economic relationships. An effective regional initiative must make room for those differences.

ASEAN members will naturally examine the proposal through their own national circumstances. Some may welcome broader cooperation; others may prefer a more cautious pace. We should approach discussions with patience and respect. Building confidence requires listening carefully to what our neighbors consider useful and accepting that common ground sometimes emerges through modest but sustained efforts.

A sensible starting point would be helping countries understand more clearly what is happening in their surrounding waters. Maritime domain awareness may sound technical, but its purpose is straightforward: detecting vessels, identifying unusual activity and sharing relevant information promptly. Better information can help authorities respond to emergencies and reduce the danger of incidents being misunderstood.

For Filipino fishermen, the question is whether stronger cooperation can help make their working lives safer. For our maritime personnel, it is whether they have adequate equipment, reliable communications and the training needed to perform difficult duties professionally. These practical concerns should help determine priorities as the proposed framework takes shape.

Joint training could also address search and rescue, disaster response and communication during encounters at sea. Countries can develop habits of cooperation in these areas while delivering benefits their citizens readily understand. In a region exposed to destructive storms and other natural disasters, improving the ability to assist one another should command broad support.

We must, however, be clear about the purpose of closer defense ties. The objective should be to prevent conflict and discourage coercion while keeping diplomatic channels open. Stronger capabilities carry a corresponding obligation to exercise restraint. Professional conduct and reliable communication become especially important when vessels and aircraft operate near one another under tense circumstances.

Differences with China must continue to be managed through diplomacy, with a firm commitment to lawful maritime rights. We should pursue constructive engagement wherever possible. Respectful relations require candor, including the ability to discuss serious disagreements without allowing every aspect of the relationship to become hostage to them.

At the same time, cooperation with the US should be judged by its consistency and practical results. Announcements must be followed by sustained attention, appropriate resources and programs that respond to regional needs. Southeast Asian countries should have a meaningful voice in setting the agenda, including how cooperation is carried out and evaluated.

For our part, we must continue investing in our own capabilities. Partnerships can support our efforts, but we remain responsible for strengthening our institutions, maintaining equipment and preparing personnel. Public confidence also depends on responsible spending and clear explanations of how defense investments help protect the country. Every peso must have a defensible purpose. Security cooperation will earn broader support when people see its connection to economic opportunity.

Investors need confidence that commerce can continue without disruption. Coastal communities need safe access to their livelihoods. Families need dependable supplies and affordable essentials. A peaceful maritime environment helps create the conditions in which these everyday needs can be met.

As this year’s ASEAN chair, the Philippines can encourage a practical discussion that Singapore can carry forward next year. We should help identify achievable priorities and invite our neighbors to shape them together. Success should be measured by greater trust and competence, with arrangements that countries can sustain beyond a single meeting.

We should also ask how progress will be assessed. Regular consultations could establish whether information reaches the right agencies, whether exercises improve coordination and whether smaller participating countries receive useful assistance. Keeping expectations realistic from the beginning would strengthen credibility. A framework that delivers a few worthwhile improvements can build the confidence needed for deeper cooperation over time, provided governments remain accountable for commitments they choose to make to citizens.

The Cebu proposal gives us an opening worth pursuing. Our task is to help turn it into cooperation that protects sovereignty and makes miscalculation less likely. The Philippines should bring both resolve and an openness to dialogue to that effort. Filipinos deserve the confidence of knowing that their country is responsibly preparing for uncertainty while working steadily for peace.

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