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Congressman Antonio Cuenco, Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, presented his proposal for a legislative agenda on foreign policy for the 13th Congress. He was accompanied by his fellow Congressmen Teodoro Locsin, Nereus Acosta, Constantino Jaraula. The debate tackled issues like anti-terror law, OFWs, RP-US and RP-EU relations as well as the integration of ASEAN and the boundaries of the country. Other participants represented the Georgetown Club of the Philippines, the Philippine Ambassadors Association and the Senate. The discussion was held to come up with a common position in drafting a mechanism that will serve as benchmark for Philippine Foreign Policy.

Relations between the Philippines and the European Union should be given new impetus, in light of the fact that millions of Filipinos now live and work in the EU, and Philippine trade with the EU is very significant relative to Philippine trade relations with other countries. Mr. Preschle commented that the weakness of Europe lies in not having a strategic approach towards Southeast Asia. This, however, is gradually changing, primarily because there is now a debate within the EU on whether the organization is over-investing in China. DFA Undersecretary Edsel Custodio informed the participants of the proposal for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the EU. He reminded the audience that the European Commission’s (EC) thrust was initially on the economic side, but presently the EC wants to acquire a political identity. Political security and human rights are issues that the EC wants to nurture in its relationship with the Philippines.

The dinner forum which was jointly organized by the Georgetown Club of the Philippines Foundation, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation was held on March 17, 2005 at the Mahogany Room, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati City.