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Respect for the ‘Rule of Law’ is important to the Philippines as this is what affords protection and equality to smaller and less powerful states. Without this, the world would be in a “might is right” situation where peace and stability would be uncertain which would inevitably hinder growth, development and prosperity of nations and people.
We are guided by our approach of being “friends to everyone and enemies to none” where the Philippines seeks to advance national interest and development through cooperation and alliances with like-minded countries while promoting regional and global peace and stability through diplomatic dialogue and respect for International Law.
We believe that diplomacy is still the best way to resolve issues peacefully.
GDL: The Philippines faces several geopolitical challenges, influenced by its strategic location in Southeast Asia, historical ties and regional dynamics. Can you elaborate more on your government’s approach to this complex geopolitical landscape?
GEP: We are cognisant of the increased complexities brought about by the current global geopolitical dynamics which are having an effect at the regional and international level.
The Philippines, under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., pursues an independent foreign policy of “being a friend to all and enemy to none” that advances national interest while promoting peace and building stronger relations with like-minded nations that support and respect a rules-based international order which is based on international laws.
Respect for the ‘Rule of Law’ is important to the Philippines as this is what affords protection and equality to smaller and less powerful states. Without this, the world would be in a “might is right” situation where peace and stability would be uncertain which would inevitably hinder growth, development and prosperity of nations and people.
GDL: Your country is part of ASEAN, which promotes regional cooperation, but lacks a strong enforcement mechanism for territorial disputes. What is the Philippines’ role in Southeast Asia and its ASEAN strategies?
GEP: The ASEAN was established in 1967 with the primary aim and purpose:
(1) to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and (2) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the Rule of Law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
ASEAN has worked to promote regional growth and progress in a broad scope, including economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, educational and administrative fields, through joint collaboration among the member states. It has sought to maintain peace and stability in the region in adherence to International Law, including the United Nations Charter. The Philippines has constantly sought to strengthen the ASEAN through previous chairmanships and other initiatives in the ASEAN that address current developments and make the regional bloc relevant.
In line with promoting regional peace and stability, the Philippines is active in the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group discussions for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to effectively and peacefully manage the situation at sea and avoid mishaps, misunderstandings or miscalculation among the parties.
As early as July 1992, the Philippines worked to have the ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea signed by the ASEAN foreign ministers during the 25th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila, the Philippines. The Declaration called for a peaceful resolution of disputes, the exercise of restraint by involved parties and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
GDL: What defence policies and cooperation are you undertaking with allies against security threats, especially strengthening maritime security and piracy?
GEP: The Philippines’ defence policies and cooperation are aimed to protect, secure and ensure our territorial integrity, maritime zones and other entitlements based on, and in accordance with, International Law. The Philippines continues to engage and forge defence agreements with key allies such as the United States and other like-minded states to address ongoing developments in the South China Sea, as well as other challenges pertaining to maritime security and piracy in other areas.
These defence or security arrangements include joint operations, exercises, training, intelligence sharing, military aid and other programmes. These engagements are meant to bolster the Philippines’ defence capability both inland and at sea to ensure the country’s security, as well as to safeguard freedom of navigation, promote the Rule of Law and maintain a rules-based global order amidst the pressures coming from bigger and more powerful countries.
“This year, the Philippines and Greece will celebrate the 75 years of diplomatic relations. This long-standing partnership has been positive and friendly. Both countries maintain close and cooperative ties especially in matters of mutual concern. However, I feel that the full potential for stronger ties has not been realised especially in areas such as trade and investment, maritime cooperation, labour, tourism, as well as cultural cooperation.”
GDL: Are there any foreign policy shifts comparing former President Duterte’s ‘China pivot’ with current President Marcos Jr.’s approach to diplomacy?
GEP: TThe current administration is revitalising its relations with like-minded countries and has expanded its maritime cooperation with several countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia and India. At the same time, our relations with China remain stable and friendly, especially in terms of trade and economy which is robust and growing.
GDL: The 2016 UNCLOS ruling favoured the Philippines, rejecting China’s ‘Nine-Dash Line’ claim, but China continues its aggressive activities, territorial claims and militarisation. How does your government balance diplomatic, military and economic responses while maintaining alliances?
GEP: We are guided by our approach of being “friends to everyone and enemies to none” where the Philippines seeks to advance national interest and development through cooperation and alliances with like-minded countries while promoting regional and global peace and stability through diplomatic dialogue and respect for International Law. We believe that diplomacy is still the best way to resolve issues peacefully. One of the reasons for pursuing the Arbitration under UNCLOS in 2016 was precisely because of our desire to seek a peaceful resolution of the matter.
GDL: How would you prioritise your economic diplomacy with Greece in relation to trade agreements, foreign direct investments and labour migration policies?
GEP: With the successful visit of Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo in June last year, the Embassy aims to build on this momentum and continue engaging with our counterparts as we seek ways to effectively promote trade and investment including having possible two-way trade missions, participation in various trade and tourism fairs and the signing of various trade agreements. We aim to encourage investments both ways as our countries have good opportunities in many sectors such as maritime, tourism, information technology and many more.
As we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with Greece this year, the Embassy focuses its economic diplomacy activities that will increase two-way trade and investments between the two countries, as well as in ensuring that labour migration policies continue to promote and protect the rights of Filipinos overseas.
Furthermore, with the number of Filipinos in Greece, estimated at around 15,000, the Embassy emphasises the importance of establishing a mechanism, through a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility, that will protect the rights of Filipino migrant workers, including seasonal workers.
GDL: Do you believe that the Philippines could gain from the ongoing trade war between the United States and its trading partners by positioning itself as an alternative source of exports to the US?
GEP: The recent economic and trade policies announced by the US have caused uncertainty and already have repercussions in the global economy. In times of uncertainty, there is always opportunity. However, the Philippines will still need to present itself as a viable alternative source of exports not only to the US, but to other countries that would be affected by these new policies.
“The Philippine Embassy is encouraging Philippine companies to view Greece as the gateway to the Balkans and the rest of Europe, just as we are inviting companies to look to the Philippines as a link to Southeast Asia, as well as to the Pacific. By enhancing diplomatic ties, simplifying trade procedures and encouraging educational and cultural exchanges, both countries can unlock the full potential of their bilateral relationship. With both nations committed to fostering a business-friendly environment, the future of their economic cooperation looks promising, paving the way for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
GDL: As an archipelago, the Philippines is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather and natural disasters, which also impact national security and food supply. What is your policy toward climate change and environmental concerns?
GEP: The Philippines is highly susceptible to the impact of climate change. The Philippines experiences an average of 10-20 typhoons a year. Recently these have been more severe due the effects of climate change which have resulted in heavy flooding even in areas which were never prone to floods. The impact of climate change on the environment affects many aspects especially in terms of food security and sustainable development.
The Philippines passed the Climate Change Act which established the Climate Change Commission with the aim to mitigate the effects of climate change and continuously strengthen its disaster risk reduction mechanisms. Recently, the Philippine government has allocated €16 billion for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in the 2025 National Budget. This signifies the importance of enhancing the climate change policies of the Philippines as the amount is nearly double the budget in 2024.
We are aware that climate change is a global issue that will require a global effort to mitigate or overcome this challenge. The Philippines has been actively participating in conferences concerning climate change such as the Conference of Parties (COP) on Climate Change and the Our Oceans Conference. It also successfully lobbied to host the Loss and Damage Fund Secretariat. The Philippines joined other countries in submitting its position before the International Court of Justice which the UN General Assembly had asked for an advisory opinion regarding state responsibility on climate change.
GDL: How would you describe Greece-Philippines bilateral relations?
GEP: This year, the Philippines and Greece will celebrate the 75 years of diplomatic relations. This long-standing partnership has been positive and friendly. Both countries maintain close and cooperative ties especially in matters of mutual concern. However, I feel that the full potential for stronger ties has not been realised especially in areas such as trade and investment, maritime cooperation, labour, tourism, as well as cultural cooperation.
This milestone year prompts the two countries to enhance its bilateral relations, looking at each other’s significance as a partner, but also the two countries’ roles in their respective regions. Greece can be considered as a gateway to the Balkan region and the rest of Europe.
The Philippines, on the other hand, can be a valuable partner as a member of ASEAN, its location in Southeast Asia and the competitiveness of the country’s human resources.
To mark this significant occasion, the Philippine Embassy has adopted the theme “Navigating Together towards a Secure and Sustainable Future” to emphasise our strong bonds and that together we can make and safeguard our destinies that will redound to our mutual benefit and prosperity.
GDL: What is the future potential and opportunities for stronger mutual relations in maritime and shipping cooperation?
GEP: The Philippines and Greece are considered to be maritime nations. Maritime cooperation is a cornerstone of our partnership especially with 50,000 Filipino seafarers on board Greek-owned or managed vessels. This highlights the two countries’ complementary strengths with Greece taking a dominant role as the largest shipping country in the world, and the Philippines as the largest provider of seafarers globally and our growing maritime infrastructure sector.
Considering the extent of our maritime partnership, strengthening maritime cooperation remains an essential part of the Embassy’s economic diplomacy activities. The Embassy continues to engage with shipping companies in Greece to explore possible activities that will help enhance maritime partnership between the two countries. The visit of maritime officials at the Posedonia 2024 was significant as there are now plans to participate in the next Posedonia in 2026.
Last year, the Embassy organised the first Philippine Maritime Forum where key Philippine government officials served as resource speakers. The Forum was attended by major shipping companies that employ a significant number of Filipino seafarers. The Forum also served as an avenue to foster dialogue between the Greek shipowners and the Philippines’ policymakers. Events such as the Philippine Maritime Forum can serve to further strengthen maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Greece, where the two countries can explore future activities including the conclusion of maritime agreements, partnerships in maritime education and seafarer training, possible partnerships or investments in shipbuilding or port development and potential cooperation in new industries such as cruise tourism development.
GDL: With regard to defence and security cooperation both countries have maritime security interests: the Philippines in the South China Sea, particularly the West Philippine Sea, Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean. Are there any proposals for joint training on maritime law enforcement and counter-piracy?
GEP: These proposals would certainly be welcomed. As maritime nations, the Philippines and Greece have mutual interest in pursuing maritime cooperation, especially in security and defence to ensure freedom of navigation and promote the rule of international-based law as both countries face similar maritime security challenges.
Both countries would benefit from learning about each other’s experiences in combatting piracy and transborder crimes. This presents potential opportunities for both the Philippines and Greece to collaborate in defence and maritime security such as innovation, technology and sharing of best practices.
“This milestone year prompts the two countries to enhance its bilateral relations, looking at each other’s significance as a partner, but also the two countries’ roles in their respective regions…
“Considering the extent of our maritime partnership, strengthening maritime cooperation remains an essential part of the Embassy’s economic diplomacy activities.”
GDL: How can both sides encourage trade and investment growth?
GEP: The Philippines and Greece can significantly boost two-way trade and investment by focusing on sectors where both countries have complementary strengths. With 75 years of partnership, enhancing trade and investment in sectors such as maritime, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure and technology and innovation can create new opportunities for growth.
Recently negotiations for the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement have restarted and the successful conclusion of this agreement would certainly present more opportunities for expanding trade and investment in both countries. The Philippine Embassy is encouraging Philippine companies to view Greece as the gateway to the Balkans and the rest of Europe, just as we are inviting companies to look to the Philippines as a link to Southeast Asia, as well as to the Pacific.
By enhancing diplomatic ties, simplifying trade procedures and encouraging educational and cultural exchanges, both countries can unlock the full potential of their bilateral relationship. With both nations committed to fostering a business-friendly environment, the future of their economic cooperation looks promising, paving the way for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
GDL: The Embassy of the Philippines in Athens has organised some beautiful cultural events during the past years. Are there any plans to promote Philippine festivals and culture in Greece and Greek heritage sites in the Philippines. What is required to develop tourism and people-to-people exchange?
GEP: The Embassy has endeavoured to showcase Philippine culture through meaningful events. We organised the fashion show entitled ‘Hibla’, which featured intricately crafted and hand-woven textiles from the Philippines and introduced Philippine traditional dances which were performed by the Bayanihan Dance Troupe in Thessaloniki. Incidentally, the dance performance was under the auspices of the Executive Programme of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippines and Greece on Cultural Cooperation.
For this year, as part of the celebration of the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Greece, the Embassy will be presenting the Philippine Madrigal Singers (also known as the Madz), a UNESCO-recognised Artist for Peace, to perform in front of a Greek audience, the international community and the Filipino diaspora in Greece. We have also supported the participation of Greek composer Miran Tsalikian, in the concert series in the Philippines.
The Embassy will be participating in Philoxenia, which it has regularly done, to encourage more people-to-people exchange. It will also seek to participate in cultural events in Greece whenever possible and resources are available.
GDL: Mr. Ambassador, you are one of the most active and esteemed diplomats of the Diplomatic Corps in Athens. How do you feel after three and a half years of strengthening personal and professional bonds with locals, colleagues and fellow expatriates. How deep is your connection with the culture, traditions and people of Greece?
GEP: Has it been three and a half years? It just feels like yesterday. Kidding aside, my family and I feel very much at ease since we arrived here as we find the people very welcoming and hospitable. I would say that our cultures are similar which is why it has been very easy to establish relations both on a professional and personal level. I can say that we have made plenty of friends who have been helpful and this has made my work much easier and more enjoyable.
Every day, I am learning more about Greek culture and traditions which are amazing as these are rich, deep-rooted and historical. The fact that the people are accommodating and warm, all the more adds to the wonderful experience that my family and I have had residing in Greece.
Interview by Nicolas Boutsicos
Editor, Greek Diplomatic Life
