Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has praised President Duterte's speech at the United Nations General Assembly’s 76th session on Wednesday, September 22, saying that it is always an honor for the country’s leader to speak before the world’s league of nations.
Go said the President’s speech ‘’is particularly timely and appropriate in light of the various international challenges that are currently afflicting the world.’’
He went on to say that the President stood firm in representing the country and its principled positions on key global issues.
“Tunay pong napapanahon at makabuluhan ang naging speech ng Pangulo dahil binigyan niya ng pansin ang mahahalagang isyus sa buong mundo ngayon gaya ng COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, migrant workers rights, South China Sea, refugees at UN reform (The President’s speech was really timely and meaningful because he took cognizance of the important issues in the entire world such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, migrant workers rights, South China Sea, refugees and UN reform),” he said.
“Isa po itong makasaysayang pagkakataon para sa buong bansa (This is a historic opportunity for the whole country). Ipinamalas nanaman ng ating Pangulo ang kanyang political will na ipaglaban ang karapatan at kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (This is a historic opportunity for the whole country). Sa harap ng maraming pagsubok, naninindigan tayo na walang Pilipinong mapapabayaan sa pamumuno ng ating nag-iisang pinuno ng bansa (In the face of several challenges, we stand that no Filipino will be left behind in the leadership of the only leader of the country),” he added.
In his speech, Duterte referred to an earlier pledge of the country to contribute to the COVAX facility, which supplies vaccines to UN member states.
The President also stated that the government accepts its share of responsibility when it comes to climate change and would do its part to address the global issue.
“Sinisigurado ng Pangulo na hindi mapapabayaan ang ating mga kababayan (The President has ensured that our countrymen will not be left behind). Sisiguraduhin niya na mapoprotektahan ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino kung kaya’t ipinaglalaban niya na magkaroon tayo ng maayos na access sa COVID-19 vaccines (He will ensure that the life of every Filipino is protected as he will fight for us to have a better access to COVID-19 vaccines) Pinaalala rin niya ang importansya ng pagtutulungan ng mga karatig na bansa laban sa epekto ng climate change (He also mentioned the importance of cooperation of the neighboring nations against the effect of climate change),” he said.
Meanwhile, Duterte praised the 2016 arbitral judgment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue as a “win-win solution for all,” stressing that the conflict must be addressed peacefully, as stated in the Manila Declaration on Peaceful Settlement of International Dispute.
“Ang President naman po ang chief architect ng foreign policy (The President is the chief architect of foreign policy). Knowing the President for the longest time, always interest of each and every Filipino ang parating nasa isipan ng mahal na Pangulo. Binabalanse n’ya lahat (..is always in the mind of the beloved President. He is balancing all),” Go said earlier regarding his stand on the WPS issue.
The senator from Davao also commended the government’s efforts in pursuing an independent foreign policy wherein the Philippines is able to claim its rightful place in the community of sovereign states.
In his speech, Duterte also emphasized the Philippines’ “longstanding humanitarian tradition” as the government agreed to accept Afghan refugees, adding that that the global community must do its best to “help the Afghan people and all those who continue to suffer.”
Despite having limited resources during the pandemic, Duterte added that the country will do what it can for humanity and human dignity.
Duterte also called for UN reform in order for the world body to uphold its relevance in dealing with global concerns.
“If the UN is to lead the world out of the many crises we face, things need to change. UN must empower itself by reforming itself. Therein lies the hope of humanity,” Duterte added.
“Ipinamalas rin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kanyang pagmamalasakit sa buong mundo sa harap ng iba’t ibang krisis (President Duterte has demonstrated his concern for the whole world in the face of the different crises). Patunay ito na ang diwa ng bayanihan ay maaaring maging ehemplo kahit sa ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa ibang bansa (This is a proof of the spirit cooperation which may serve even in our relations with other countries),” Go said.
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