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President Rodrigo Duterte (on screen) addressing the seventy-fifth session of the UN General Assembly. UN Photo/Manuel Elias
resident Rodrigo Duterte's speech before the United Nations General Assembly—albeit remotely—should be seen as a positive first step. But did it change any minds? His detractors say 'no.' They still see him as weak, in over his head, and lacking leadership skills. His supporters, on the other hand, offer a resounding 'yes,' as they cheer his every move.
However, even the skeptics, had cause to celebrate. Finally, Duterte publicly acknowledged the legality of the arbitral tribunal's 2016 ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea. This speech stood in sharp contrast to Duterte's previous stance of keeping mum and never confronting or antagonizing China—in effect, bowing to Beijing's will.
It could be that Duterte finally realized the folly of his ways. He must have noticed that smaller groups like Hong Kongers and Taiwanese were standing up to China. He saw other nations defiantly sending their ships and planes through contested waters in the South China Sea. Maybe he has finally realized that China does not care one bit about him or his Filipino people, and will never give back the Scarborough Shoal or any other island it illegally occupies.
Duterte's UN speech might be his opening salvo of a more assertive policy. His next moves should give us a clearer idea of where he is headed. Unfortunately, a lot of time has already been wasted, along with numerous missed opportunities. What should have been a clear and definitive win for the Philippines has gradually slipped away over the years. But all is not lost. Duterte can still snatch victory from the jaws of defeat—if he is up to the task. The question is: is he? Published 9/27/2020
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