Palace: Philippines not a ‘troublemaker’

From the Sun Star (Jul 2): Palace: Philippines not a ‘troublemaker’

MALACAÑANG dismissed Tuesday the accusation of a Chinese analyst that the Philippines is a "troublemaker" in the region amid the territorial disputes of the two countries.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the government does not need to dignify all statements coming from Beijing newspapers or news analysts.

"What is clear is that the Philippines has availed of the right approach – rules based, the right process – arbitration and the right venue – Unclos arbitral tribunal," he said in a text message.

A Chinese news analyst has called the Philippines as a "troublemaker" in the region.

He claimed that Manila was sabotaging China's diplomatic relations with other countries, including the United States and Japan.

He also accused Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario of "poisoning the atmosphere" in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers' meeting.

Presidential Communication Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang in a separate text message expressed belief that the international community does not see the Philippines as a troublemaker.

"I believe that international perception of the Philippines remains positive due to our proactive efforts to explain to the world what our perspective is on this and other issues," he said.

The Philippines has brought up its territorial row with China before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/07/02/palace-philippines-not-troublemaker-290345