Philippines Pushes for a Rule-of-Law Global Order
The Philippines has stepped forward with a renewed call for a robust, multilateral system anchored in international law. As top diplomats gathered in Brussels to address pressing global threats, the Philippine delegation framed cooperation under the rule of law as essential to preserving peace, security, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
In recent years, Manila has consistently urged international partners to strengthen institutions and norms that govern state behavior. The Brussels gathering—an arena where foreign ministers and senior officials exchange views on security challenges—provided a platform for Manila to articulate a shared blueprint: alliances built on mutual respect for international law, transparent governance, and resolute commitments to peaceful dispute resolution.
Maritime Security at the Forefront
One of the most salient issues on the Brussels agenda is maritime security. The Philippine stance emphasizes freedom of navigation, adherence to UNCLOS (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and cooperative measures to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, smuggling, and confrontation at sea. With several regional flashpoints and contested waters, the rule-of-law framework offers a practical pathway to de-escalate tensions while ensuring legitimate claims are resolved through lawful processes rather than force.
Experts note that a strong, law-based approach helps coastal states balance sovereignty with the freedom of navigation that underpins global trade. The Philippines argues that robust multilateral mechanisms—including regional security architectures, joint patrols, and information-sharing protocols—are essential to monitoring ships, preventing incidents, and holding violators accountable in a predictable, legal manner.
Cybersecurity and the Need for Norms
Beyond the seas, cyberspace has emerged as a battleground where state and non-state actors test the limits of international norms. The Brussels dialogue highlighted how cyber threats—from data breaches to critical infrastructure disruptions—demand a rules-based order. The Philippines joined partner states in calling for internationally recognized norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, confidence-building measures, and a commitment to deterrence that is compatible with international law.
Concretely, this means shared incident reporting, coordinated response protocols, and capacity-building assistance to bolster the digital resilience of smaller and medium powers. As cyberattacks increasingly cross borders, a multilateral framework grounded in the rule of law can reduce ambiguity, lower the risk of escalation, and create incentives for states to pursue peaceful resolution when disputes arise.
Strengthening Institutions and Trust
The Philippine delegation underscored the importance of strengthening multilateral institutions so they can respond to evolving threats without sacrificing fairness or legitimacy. This entails improving decision-making transparency, ensuring inclusive representation, and upholding commitments to human rights and humanitarian law even in crisis scenarios.
Diplomats in Brussels also discussed practical steps: expanding joint exercises, harmonizing norms and standards, and enhancing legal avenues for dispute settlement. By investing in robust, rules-based alliances, the international community can better deter aggression, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain open, accountable governance on a global scale.
Looking Ahead
As global threats continue to evolve, the call for multilateral partnerships anchored in the rule of law gains renewed urgency. The Philippines’ position in Brussels reflects a broader appeal for cooperative security frameworks that are credible, inclusive, and grounded in agreed-upon legal principles. If translated into sustained action, such frameworks could help navigate tensions, expand economic opportunities, and reinforce the norms that keep international life orderly and predictable.
