Duterte calls for greater global solidarity vs COVID-19

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the Nikkei Future Asia Conference. Image from PCOO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called for greater “global solidarity” in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte issued the call during the Nikkei Future Asia Conference, which was attended by leaders from Japan, Cambodia, Malaysia, and many others.

“First, we are only as strong as our weakest link as a country and as a region, and as one global community,” he said in his speech as quoted by Malacañang in a statement.

“This is why we need greater solidarity for collective, coordinated, and comprehensive responses. Inward-looking policies will lead us nowhere,” Duterte added.

Duterte said the country supports all avenues for increased production of COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. He also thanked Japan and other partners in the COVAX facility that has benefitted many countries.

However, Duterte said collective international action can only complement national responses, which he said, should be people-centered and holistic.

He also pointed out the Philippine government’s efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable recovery.

This includes ensuring universal health coverage, strengthening the public system, enhancing food security, reinforcing digital economy, and maximizing connectivity in the country.

Duterte also said the Philippines supports free and rules-based multilateral trading to address how the pandemic is reinforcing de-globalization trends.

“The key to recovery and shared prosperity remains the free movement of goods, capital, and services, as well as the harnessing of valuable human resources. Despite the pandemic, opportunities for growth remain,” the President said.

The President also mentioned the country’s economic reform initiatives such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or CREATE law.

He also expressed concern over the heightening geopolitical competition among the “big powers” that adds another layer of complexity to regional security issues.

Duterte urged the great powers to “resist the temptation to pursue interests at the expense of smaller countries, in plain defiance of international law.”

“If Asia is to serve as an engine of global recovery, we all have to act responsibly within a system of norms, commitments, and obligations. We have to resolve our disputes peacefully according to international law. We have to work together – not against each other – to achieve common ends,” he said.

Also among the speakers in the conference were leaders from Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, heads of international organizations, Malacañang said.

EDV