RPH 1

• Foreign Policy is the general objectives that guide the activities and relationships of one state in its interactions with other states.
• The development of foreign policy is influenced by domestic considerations, the policies or behavior of other states, or plans to advance specific geopolitical designs.
• The aim of Philippine foreign policy is to promote the country’s national interests in a pragmatic and forward-looking manner.
• The state shall pursue an independent foreign policy in its relations with other states, with national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination as the paramount considerations.
• The issues on Philippine foreign policy include settling the national territorial issue, strengthening the country’s capacity for surveillance and enforcement in the territorial sea and the exclusive economic zone, cooperating with other countries to cut off support for separatists and terrorists, redressing the grievances of the minorities, and strengthening the competitiveness of the economy and substantially improving the investment climate.
• The role of China, Japan and the United States in Philippine foreign policy is significant.
• Philippine policy should be made in the context of the ASEAN.
• The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the Philippines.
• The country’s economic growth will continue to be heavily dependent on foreign investments.
• The recognition of growing and evolving role of multilateral and inter-regional organizations in Philippine foreign policy is significant.
• The defense of the nation’s sovereignty and the protection of its environment and natural resources is a crucial aspect of Philippine foreign policy.
• The benefit of international tourism and strength of its human resources is a significant aspect of Philippine foreign policy.
• The role of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Philippine foreign policy is significant.
• The US-Philippine Relations are characterized by Filipinos' patriotism, love of country, and their steadfast and unwavering resolve to be free.
• The United States committed itself to ever-greater measures of self-government for its Pacific empire.
• The US-Philippine Relations were strengthened even more during the Second World War.
• The Philippines and the United States entered into a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951.
• The Philippines is one of only two US treaty allies in Southeast Asia (the other one being Thailand).
• The US Congress had allocated US$2 billion for the Philippines from 1999 to 2011.
• US assistance contributes to building peace in Mindanao, strengthening democratic institutions in the country, enhancing economic growth, and reinforcing greater stability in the region.
• Philippines and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
• Philippines also is an observer to the Organization of American States.
• ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok by the five Countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 8 January 1984.
• Vietnam joined ASEAN on 28 July 1995.
• Laos and Myanmar joined ASEAN on 23 July 1997.
• Cambodia joined ASEAN on 30 April 1999.
• The financial crisis, the territorial dispute, Rohingya migrants, natural disaster, and maritime security and terrorism are challenges facing ASEAN.