Friend to All, Enemy to None
During the Duterte administration, the Philippines embraced a foreign policy described by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as “a friend to all, enemy to none”—a stance they called independent foreign policy. This approach aimed to strengthen ties with long-time allies while opening doors to new and non-traditional partners, all in support of national interests.
US-Philippines Relations
One of the most notable achievements during this period was the return of the historic Balangiga Bells from the United States—an act seen as a symbolic step toward addressing past injustices. The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) was also updated to reflect current realities, ensuring mutual respect between the two nations as treaty allies.
China and Regional Engagement
Relations with China saw renewed engagement, resulting in 29 signed bilateral agreements. While tensions remained in the West Philippine Sea, diplomatic channels were kept open to address maritime security concerns. The Philippines also strengthened cooperation with countries like Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, focusing on post-pandemic recovery and tackling regional challenges.
Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
The administration took steps to safeguard the welfare of OFWs. As ASEAN chair in 2017, the Philippines helped create a regional framework to protect migrant workers. Internationally, the country supported the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, a comprehensive, non-binding agreement on migration issues.
A significant advocacy was the campaign to abolish the Kafala system in the Middle East, an effort that contributed to positive labor reforms in the region. The DFA also pursued justice in high-profile cases involving the deaths of Filipinos working abroad.
Global Presence and Humanitarian Efforts
Before the pandemic, eight new Foreign Service Posts were established in 2019, expanding services to Filipinos worldwide. When COVID-19 struck, the government facilitated the repatriation of nearly half a million overseas Filipinos—an achievement the DFA considers a hallmark of the Duterte legacy.
