Yasay: One man with courage

I never have doubted that Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr. would emerge stronger and more convincing as the dust settles about the country’s response to the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal on the South  China Sea issue.

I also was never uncertain about the outcome of our participation in the Ministerial Conference held in Vientiane, Laos, where the Philippine delegation was headed by Jun Yasay himself.

The pieces of news that came out of the gathering of foreign ministers last week  were initially ambivalent, due to conflicting interpretations of whether we blew our chance to get the rest of the ASEAN to support our stand on the South China case.

Initial reactions were mixed when the joint communique was signed among the chief diplomats of the ASEAN countries, with no thanks to the unfounded criticisms of former diplomats who chose to pick up the version of China over that of the Philippines. These critics said that Secretary Yasay did not push enough a desired point which would highlight the Tribunal ruling on the disputed waters.

Meanwhile, dispatches from Vientiane, Laos, were saying the Philippines received the support of the ASEAN countries – notably Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand. Cambodia and Laos balked initially, but agreed to sign the ASEAN joint statement.

Jun Yasay was even commended by notable foreign ministers led by the much-respected Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, who congratulated the secretary for his “courage, firmness and flexibility.” Support also came from Foreign Ministers Retno L. P. Marsudi of Indonesia, Dato Sri Anifah HJ Aman of Malaysia,  Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan of Singapore, Pham Binh Minh of Vietnam, and Prince Mohamed Bolkiah  of Brunei.

Another forceful endorsement was that of American Secretary of State, John Kerry, who commended Yasay for the “measured way” by which he responded to a clear legal triumph for the Philippines, adding with emphasis that the ruling is “binding.” Such pronouncements tell the other party, China, that it cannot ignore the decision, because it is now part of jurisprudence of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Secretary Yasay was in his element when he mentioned the Arbitral ruling affirming the stand of the Philippines on the South China Sea. He declared before the foreign ministers – with China’s Wang Yi in attendance – the position of the Philippines vis-à-vis China on the contested waters: “The recent favorable arbitration award provides a good basis for a rules-based approach for resolving disputes in the South China Sea.”

In diplomatic talk, “rules-based approach” rules out the use of force or violence in resolving territorial issues. It means that the Philippines was clearly successful in getting all the foreign ministers to agree that no way should China harass the Philippines; no way should China hose down fishermen; and no way should China bully our Coast Guard with its bigger ships.

“Rules-based” is a declaration that China shall now go to the negotiable table, minus the threat of force.

“It is now part of international jurisprudence related to maritime domain,” Secretary Yasay continued, reminding everyone that such “jurisprudence” should now be the basis for conduct in the high seas.

To give it a fitting conclusion, our foreign affairs secretary declared: “The Philippines affirms its respect for this milestone decision.” In diplomatese, our top diplomat encouraged his peers in the ASEAN to accord the same respect for the Tribunal ruling.

It was heartwarming to know that the rest of the ASEAN ministers – knowing that they have been spared the trouble of dealing with a hegemonic country imposing its will – spoke one by one to affirm that truly the ruling is “binding” to everyone. In diplomatic language, Secretary Yasay’s peers squarely gave him – and our country – their support.

I have known Jun Yasay for decades, and I know that he just does not  retreat so easily. It was a gross misreading of some critics who were so quick to conclude that Yasay yielded to an unseen pressure, that he was “not forceful enough.” If Yasay does ever retreat, if he takes two steps backward, he is actually taking three steps forward.

Having said that, may I suggest that the country must now move forward together, get in step with our government, provide moral support to President  Duterte and Secretary Yasay as they take firm but calibrated steps toward bilateral or multi-lateral negotiations with China and the rest of other claimants.

As for Secretary Yasay, here’s a toast to his conviction, confidence and courage. I can’t help but quote Andrew Jackson to end this piece: “One man with courage is a majority.” In a real sense, the majority – us – salute one man with courage.

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Sillimanians in Metro Manila (SIMM)  will celebrate the 115th year Founder’s Day of Silliman University, the oldest Christian institution in Asia  located in Dumaguete City,  at the Heritage Hotel ballroom on  Aug. 13.

The event  will honor alumni who have been appointed in the Duterte administration, namely  DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella,  BIR Deputy Commissioner Jesus Clint Aranas  and DAR Usec Epifania Anfone. Also highlighted are newly elected Negros Oriental Representatives Josie Limkaichong and Chiquiting Sagarbarria plus returning Dumaguete city mayor, Ipe Remollo.  Col. Jocelyn Turla, one of this year’s five Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees,  will also be honored.

With the theme, “Can’t Stop the Music!,” the evening will feature  world-class Silliman talents like Andy Bais and  Lloyd Young, John Ray and special guest and “adopted Sillimanian” Dondi Ong will  perform hits from the 60s to the 90s. String Fusion will open the show with hits of the Millennium. Campus beauty-turned  new lawyer, Fil-Belgian Marian Vanslembrouk, will host the event.

“SIMM is the biggest alumni chapter. We want our programs to reflect how our members have evolved since leaving the halls of Silliman,” says Ed Dames, SIMM president.

The event is organized by DTC Promos, one of the country’s leading events and  activations agency founded by Ed  and Marissa Dames, both alumni from the College of Mass Communication that is celebrating its 50th year.

Ticket is only for P1,500 inclusive of dinner and gift cheque.  For ticket reservation, text 0919-3173761; 0995-2134515.

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