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Photo courtesy of DFA
The Philippine government has designated its first spokesperson dedicated to maritime affairs, a move seen as part of efforts to reinforce diplomacy in addressing issues in the country’s surrounding waters.
In an announcement on Monday, February 9, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva will serve as its spokesman for maritime affairs.
The appointment follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the department’s central role in state to state engagement and to place diplomacy at the forefront of advancing national interests.
The development comes amid reports that Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro had urged officials to moderate public rhetoric related to the South China Sea in order to safeguard ongoing discussions on a regional Code of Conduct. In recent weeks, exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials have drawn public attention, reflecting tensions over maritime concerns.
Department spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the creation of the role reflects the importance of maritime issues in the country’s foreign policy agenda.
“We want to give maritime affairs the importance it deserves—how we advance Philippine interests in the maritime domain,” Escalona said, explaining the need for the role.
“We want to give maritime affairs the importance it deserves—how we advance Philippine interests in the maritime domain,” Angelica Escalona, DFA spokesperson, said, explaining the need for the role.
In a brief statement issued after the announcement, Villanueva cited the department’s past efforts in maritime diplomacy.
“The DFA has consistently led efforts to uphold Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction while calling out infringements—from promoting the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, to issuing comprehensive protest against illegal activities in our maritime domain, to delivering direct statements at the highest international levels against rule of law violations,” he said.
“The DFA remains the Philippines’ authoritative voice on regional and international issues guided by sober assessment of facts on the ground,” he added.
Villanueva also outlined what he described as core elements of the country’s maritime statecraft.
These include adherence to international law, keeping bilateral and regional channels open, seeking areas of common ground, strengthening alliances and partnerships, and supporting domestic capacity building through foreign engagements.
He maintained that sustained diplomacy can help manage risks on the ground while allowing routine activities and cooperation to continue.
He added that under the guidance of President Marcos and the leadership of Secretary Lazaro, the department will pursue its mandate patiently and resolutely, noting that progress in complex disputes is often gradual and achieved through continued negotiation.