LEDAC urged to harmonize RP stand on Spratlys

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers are hopeful that Congress and the executive could “harmonize” the country’s stand on the Spratlys dispute through the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

However, Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco, House committee on foreign affairs chairman, said the differences between the executive and the legislature would not affect the Philippines’ claim to the Kalayaan Islands Group (KIG).

“The constitutional arrangement is that the executive conducts our foreign policy,” he said.

“We do not question that. We, in Congress, are not arrogating upon ourselves the duties of our foreign service corps.”

Cuenco said like in all governments worldwide, the executive is always in charge of foreign policy and the principal conductor of foreign affairs.

“It should be a two-way street,” he said. “You can give us inputs but please do not take away our right to review it.“

A breakthrough can be reached during the next meeting of LEDAC, Cuenco said.

Meanwhile, Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Bargaza called on other lawmakers yesterday to consult Malacañang in all matters being incorporated in the baselines bill.

“Under our Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs is lodged with the executive department,” Aggabao said.

“Therefore, its opinion must be accorded utmost weight on bills with foreign affairs implications such as the baselines bill.”

Bargaza said: “Malacañang cannot be ignored in the delineation of our country’s baselines because it is the executive which has to defend and explain the matter to the international community. You cannot box out the executive.

“It is better that you have their participation every step of the way so that at the end of the day, what you have worked hard for will not be vetoed.

“Drawing the baselines is a complicated matter. It’s not as if you are going to get a piece of paper and with a ruler and pencil draw the outline of our territory. It’s more complicated than that.”

Earlier, Speaker Prospero Nograles said Congress and the executive should find a way to harmonize the country’s position relative to the definition of the nation’s archipelagic baselines without jeopardizing its claim to the KIG.

“This is a very sensitive issue of national interest and international concern which we must face to preserve the integrity of our national sovereignty,” he said.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said yesterday the Philippines is not giving up its Spratlys claim despite issues surrounding the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking with China and Vietnam.

Speaking over radio station dzMM, Teodoro said the approach in resolving the country’s claim should be balanced without sacrificing the nation’s interest. – With James Mananghaya, Christina Paguinto