The Evolution of Philippine Foreign Policy: A Critical Analysis of its Orientation Highlighting the Case Under Former DFA Secretary Teofisto Guingona

Abstract

The controversial resignation of Vice President Teofisto Guingona from his position as Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary last July 2002 caught the nation’s attention and stirred numerous questions as the Vice President stressed that he and the President do have policy differences over the nation’s foreign affairs thrusts. The foreign policy of the Philippines has been highly criticized for standing on artificial grounds. Moreover, it is very much recognized to be following the footsteps of another country particularly that of the United States. In recognition of this notion, together with the fallout of Guingona from the Foreign Affairs Department, are we seeing signs of a move to assert an independent foreign policy? This paper is basically an analysis of the Foreign Policy orientation of the country tracing the enacted programs of the different administrations from the inauguration of the country’s independence in 1946 up to the present. Moreover, this paper draws out certain instances in the nation’s history where there were actually moves to assert a genuine foreign policy for the country. Of equal importance is the analysis of the foreign policy orientation of Vice President Teofisto Guingona, answering the question as to whether he is advocating a foreign policy that is independent and serves the Filipino people’s interests. The evolution of the country’s foreign policy 1s drawn out in Chapter 2 of this research highlighting the thrusts and pronouncements of those political leaders who steered the nation’s foreign relations. Moreover, the specific foreign affairs programs are discussed in relation to the evolving posture of Philippine foreign relations. Chapter 3 takes on a discussion on the concept of an Independent Foreign Policy and the very basis by which it is imperative for the country to enact such. More importantly, the various moves to assert an independent foreign policy are presented in this part of the paper together with the very orientation of Claro M. Recto who is considered to be one of the foremost individuals who stood up to assert an independent foreign policy for the country. Part of this chapter’s discussion is the recognition of the various obstacles that hinder the move for a genuine policy in Philippine foreign relations. The following discussion is a look on the current administration's foreign policy objectives most especially in the light of recent events. Accordingly, the case of Teofisto Guingona is presented in this chapter, more particularly his views on foreign policy in recognition of the drive for an independent stance. The fifth and final chapter is a consolidation of the aforementioned discussions and finally answering various questions set forth at the onset of this research. This last portion of the research presents the general conclusion in the light of the findings obtained in the research. This paper presents the nation’s foreign policy in a concise and systematic manner outlining various time frames and coming up with cohesive foreign policy objectives fitted for the different administrations. It is a well-though research which seeks to clarify certain inquiries on the nation’s foreign affairs policy especially in the light of the most recent events related to the nation’s foreign relations realm. This study embarks on a holistic and comprehensive view of the country’s foreign policy from the Third Republic up to the more contemporary times.