Chapter 15

Chapter 15: An Independent Foreign Policy

This chapter delves into the complexities of Philippine foreign policy in the post-war era, examining its evolution from a heavily US-aligned stance towards a more independent approach.

1. The Postwar Challenge:

- The Philippines faced a significant challenge in defining its foreign policy after gaining independence from the US in 1946.

- The previous chapter discussed the issue of economic nationalism, which is closely intertwined with foreign policy.

- The economic climate and security are fundamental pillars of foreign policy, influencing how the Philippine government interacts with the international community.

- The Philippines, heavily devastated by the war, sought economic aid from the US, leading to the controversial Bell Trade Act and Rehabilitation Act.

- These agreements, while providing aid, were criticized for strengthening the US’s influence on the Philippines, leading to accusations of subservience.

2. Early Criticisms and Calls for Independence:

- Many political critics, including Senators Claro M. Recto and Lorenzo Tañada, voiced their opposition to the US-aligned foreign policy.

- Recto famously delivered a speech titled “Our Mendicant Foreign Policy” in 1951, criticizing the Philippines’ dependence on US aid and its subservient stance.

- Tanada, in his speech “The Folklore of Colonialism,” explored the colonial roots of Philippine foreign policy and called for a more independent approach.

- The Foreign Service Act of 1952 (Republic Act No. 708) was enacted to strengthen the Department of Foreign Affairs and its personnel, aiming to improve the Philippines’ capacity for independent diplomacy.

- However, despite this act, critics continued to express concerns about the Philippines’ foreign policy, describing it as “neocolonial” and lacking true independence.

3. The Evolution of Foreign Policy:

- The 1991 Philippine Foreign Service Act amended the 1952 law, establishing the “three pillars” of Philippine foreign policy:

- Preservation and enhancement of national security

- Promotion and attainment of economic security

- Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas

- This shift towards a more independent foreign policy was further emphasized by the 1987 Constitution, which explicitly stated that the Philippines shall pursue an independent foreign policy, prioritizing national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.

- The post-EDSA People Power Constitution provided a clear direction for the Philippines to pursue a more independent and self-determined foreign policy.

4. The 1935, 1973, and 1987 Constitutions:

- The 1935 Constitution, while aiming for economic independence, did not explicitly address foreign policy.

- The 1973 Constitution under Marcos, while renouncing war as an instrument of national policy, still emphasized a policy of peace and cooperation with all nations.

- The 1987 Constitution, however, explicitly declared the Philippines’ pursuit of an independent foreign policy, highlighting national sovereignty and self-determination as paramount considerations.

5. Key Takeaways:

- The Philippines’ foreign policy in the post-war era has been a complex journey, evolving from a heavily US-aligned stance to a more independent approach.

- The debate over the balance between national interests and international alliances continues to be a central theme in Philippine foreign policy.

- The three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, as outlined in the 1991 Foreign Service Act, provide a framework for a more independent and self-determined approach.

- The 1987 Constitution, with its emphasis on national sovereignty and self-determination, serves as a cornerstone for the Philippines’ pursuit of an independent foreign policy.

Assessment Questions:

- Analyze the arguments presented by Claro M. Recto and Lorenzo Tanada regarding the Philippines’ foreign policy in the post-war era. What were their main criticisms, and what alternative foreign policies did they propose?

- Compare and contrast the foreign policy provisions of the 1935, 1973, and 1987 Constitutions. How did these provisions evolve over time, and what do these evolutions tell us about the changing priorities of the Philippine government?

- Discuss the current state of Philippine foreign policy. How does it reflect the principles of independence and self-determination outlined in the 1987 Constitution? What challenges does the Philippines face in pursuing a more independent foreign policy?