.
Ambassador Jose L Cuisa, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States and the Dean of the Asian Diplomatic Corps in Washington is approaching the end of his tenure in this critical post. He can point to tangible progress in the bilateral relationship during a time of great consequence for his country and the alliance relationship with the United States. While the interview was conducted prior to the results of the May 9th Election, questions were raised on just how durable the enhanced bilateral relations would be beyond the term of outgoing President Benigno Aquino III. The Ambassador crucially reminds us that the relationship has weathered turbulence in the past, based upon a friendship founded on shared values and historical experience through the most trying of times. That was certainly reinforced during his February 2015 visit to the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Philippines as he opened an exhibit entitled Keeping the Promise: The Liberation of the Philippines, 1944-1945.
While matters of security cooperation are often front of mind with a key pillar of the relationship being the Mutual Defense Treaty and issues of maritime security quite newsworthy, efforts from the Aquino Administration and Ambassador Cuisa from his critical post in Washington have taken positive actions to enhance the economic relationship as well. His three decades of business experience as well as his time as Central Bank Governor during the Administration of President Aquino’s Mother had him well suited to do so. His experience serving under President Corazon Aquino provided a perspective of the path the country has travelled since the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 which has described as the “birth of modern Filipino empowerment.” He also acknowledges the challenging road ahead in recognizing more work remains to be done, including on constitutional provisions impacting key sectors of the economy. Quite rightly he feels proud of the efforts during the Aquino Administration and the groundwork that has been laid so that the incoming President can build upon what has led the Philippines to be one of the strongest performing economies in the region.
Your tenure as Ambassador is soon concluding. What are your fondest memories during your time in Washington? What will you miss most?
The fondest memories I have of my time in the United States is witnessing the unmatched talent, industry and hospitality of Filipino and Filipino-American communities all over these fifty (50) states and the territories under my jurisdiction.
I will miss all the good friends I have made here but I know that with the many opportunities to connect, these friendships will extend beyond my term and in continued support for the Philippine Embassy.
The 2015 PEW Poll found a 92% favorability rating amongst Filipinos polled on their view of the U.S., up from 85% in 2013. Do you see any concerns or potential changes in that positive outlook held by Filipinos?
Founded on a common history and shared values, the friendship between Filipinos and Americans have withstood the test of time. I am confident that the goodwill forged by our two nations will continue to nurture this longstanding friendship.
How can ties between Manila and Washington be sustained in the midst of leadership transitions and the coming personnel changes in both capitals?
The Philippines and the United States have been allies and partners in advancing their common interests for decades. The Aquino and Obama Administrations have further expanded the base of our bilateral ties and opened up fresh avenues for cooperation. Exploration of these new areas, as well as the maintenance of engagement in traditional fields, will provide the momentum necessary to move bilateral relations forward through leadership changes in both countries.
President Aquino has expressed a desire to join the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and has sought the support of President Obama in this process. Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II has in the past expressed reservations about the TPP and recently announced it “dead” based on the positions stated by U.S. Presidential candidates. Could you foresee the Philippines pursuing this kind of trade pact, knowing that it would require challenging reforms such as on constitutional provisions restricting foreign ownership?
President Aquino and his economic managers have expressed our keen interest in the TPP on several occasions, and I, too, believe that the Philippines must be part of this 21st century agreement. We are carefully watching the internal acceptance processes of the twelve original TPP participants, including the United States. At the same time, we are also pursuing our own domestic efforts to lay down the necessary groundwork that the next government will need in addressing difficult changes that some sectors may need to undertake, including those relating to constitutional provisions.
The TPP will potentially benefit the Philippines by opening up markets, increasing FDI, supporting MSMEs and improving labor/environment standards, and I believe that this promise of positive welfare effects should give the next administration a reason to seriously consider Philippine participation in the TPP.
What do you think about the long term implications of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)? What are they key challenges in its implementation?
The EDCA is designed to promote between the Philippines and its defense treaty ally the United States the following: Interoperability; capacity building towards the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; strengthening AFP for external defense; Maritime Security; Maritime Domain Awareness; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR). The Agreement will further benefit the Philippines economically through the provision of jobs and other economic opportunities in the construction activities in the Agreed Locations and procurement of local goods and supplies by the US military and personnel.
We have hurdled the greatest challenge to EDCA’s implementation. With the decision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines on 12 January 2016 to uphold the constitutionality of EDCA, the Philippines and the US can fully implement the Agreement and inject dynamism into the alliance.
You served in the Administration of President Corazon Aquino following the EDSA People Power Revolution. Earlier this year the 30th anniversary of EDSA was commemorated, what should be remembered from this chapter in Filipino history?
The EDSA People Power Revolution should always be remembered as the birth of modern Filipino empowerment. It is a proud moment in our history as it showed the world our people’s courage, compassion and love for peace.
The People Power Revolution should also be recognized for having inspired peaceful uprisings that ended the oppression and corruption by autocratic regimes in other countries.
U.S.-ASEAN relations have been given significant attention under the Obama Administration, highlighted by the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Summit held at Sunnylands in February. You are recognized as the Dean of Asian Ambassadors here in town, how do you see the state of U.S.-ASEAN relations and the importance of Southeast Asia in Washington?
The Sunnylands summit signified the high priority that President Obama’s Administration has attached to its engagement with ASEAN, especially within the context of the US strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific. It is a recognition of Southeast Asia’s key role in promoting peace, security and prosperity in the region, and in building a regional order where all nations play by the same rules.
ASEAN is home to 622 million people and has a combined GDP of over US$2.6 trillion. As we approach the “40th/50th milestones” of ASEAN in 2017 with the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-US relations and the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of ASEAN, the Philippines is committed to working towards strategically deepening engagement with the US, particularly during our term as ASEAN Chair in 2017, to develop a more cohesive ASEAN firmly rooted in a rules-based order.
Funding from the new Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative has begun to flow to the Philippines and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Senator John McCain has been recognized for his effort to insert budget language that made this effort possible. How have you worked with Congress to advance the alliance relationship?
The leadership exhibited by Senator McCain, as well as other members of Congress, has resulted in the introduction of the Maritime Security Initiative in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2016, for developing the maritime security and maritime domain awareness capabilities of five select countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
Communication and personally engaging with legislators and the leadership of the key committees in Congress are key to ensuring that the Philippines’ key advocacies are known. Information sharing on the Philippines’ defense modernization plans and foreign policy priorities has also been important to highlight the commitment of the Philippines to be a proactive and reliable ally. Throughout last year and the first quarter of 2016, the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs and Defense also took time to engage members of Congress to highlight the security challenges faced by the Philippines. In sum, being a frequent visitor to Capitol Hill, has been the most effective way in developing strong bipartisan support to advance the Alliance.
The Philippines-US Friendship Caucus, re-launched during the 114th Congress, composed of 69 Representatives, has also advanced the Philippines’ advocacies. Representatives Bobby Scott and Darell Issa, respectively, have been excellent co-chairpersons of the Caucus.
What is the best possible outcome of the arbitration case launched by the Philippines against China at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea?
The Philippines maintains that the decision of the tribunal, once rendered, will be legally binding and should be accorded due respect by everyone.
We are joining other nations and regional organizations to underscore that the Tribunal’s decision should be binding on all parties.
The U.S.-Philippines Society opened a Washington DC office shortly before President Aquino’s visit in June 2012, how would you evaluate efforts to raise the profile of the Philippines in the U.S. and what role do Filipino-Americans have in this effort?
The US-Philippines Society has been a valued partner over the past four years in raising the profile of today's Philippines among targeted American audiences. Society programs have fostered business networking; showcased progress in our country's economic development and commitment to good governance; provided insights into the dynamics of Philippine politics, progress toward peace and stability in Mindanao, and responses to maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea; staged a series of cultural programs, including Philippine music, dance and design; and reminded Americans of how our unique history has matured into a modern, mutually beneficial bilateral relationship. As a non-profit bi-national organization, the Society worked with us to raise more than $2 million for relief and recovery after Typhoon Haiyan, ensuring those funds directly benefitted families in their time of need.
In all my travels across the US, I have listened to influential business leaders, local government officials and community builders tell me how Filipino Americans have contributed to building better communities and organizations, proving that the 3.4 million strong Filipino-American community is instrumental in projecting a positive image of the Philippines in this country.
Photo: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, left, and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Lampe Cuisia, Jr., right, pose for a photo at Ambassador Goldberg's swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on November 21, 2013. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
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Interview: H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States
June 16, 2016
Ambassador Jose L Cuisa, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States and the Dean of the Asian Diplomatic Corps in Washington is approaching the end of his tenure in this critical post. He can point to tangible progress in the bilateral relationship during a time of great consequence for his country and the alliance relationship with the United States. While the interview was conducted prior to the results of the May 9th Election, questions were raised on just how durable the enhanced bilateral relations would be beyond the term of outgoing President Benigno Aquino III. The Ambassador crucially reminds us that the relationship has weathered turbulence in the past, based upon a friendship founded on shared values and historical experience through the most trying of times. That was certainly reinforced during his February 2015 visit to the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Philippines as he opened an exhibit entitled Keeping the Promise: The Liberation of the Philippines, 1944-1945.
While matters of security cooperation are often front of mind with a key pillar of the relationship being the Mutual Defense Treaty and issues of maritime security quite newsworthy, efforts from the Aquino Administration and Ambassador Cuisa from his critical post in Washington have taken positive actions to enhance the economic relationship as well. His three decades of business experience as well as his time as Central Bank Governor during the Administration of President Aquino’s Mother had him well suited to do so. His experience serving under President Corazon Aquino provided a perspective of the path the country has travelled since the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 which has described as the “birth of modern Filipino empowerment.” He also acknowledges the challenging road ahead in recognizing more work remains to be done, including on constitutional provisions impacting key sectors of the economy. Quite rightly he feels proud of the efforts during the Aquino Administration and the groundwork that has been laid so that the incoming President can build upon what has led the Philippines to be one of the strongest performing economies in the region.
Your tenure as Ambassador is soon concluding. What are your fondest memories during your time in Washington? What will you miss most?
The fondest memories I have of my time in the United States is witnessing the unmatched talent, industry and hospitality of Filipino and Filipino-American communities all over these fifty (50) states and the territories under my jurisdiction.
I will miss all the good friends I have made here but I know that with the many opportunities to connect, these friendships will extend beyond my term and in continued support for the Philippine Embassy.
The 2015 PEW Poll found a 92% favorability rating amongst Filipinos polled on their view of the U.S., up from 85% in 2013. Do you see any concerns or potential changes in that positive outlook held by Filipinos?
Founded on a common history and shared values, the friendship between Filipinos and Americans have withstood the test of time. I am confident that the goodwill forged by our two nations will continue to nurture this longstanding friendship.
How can ties between Manila and Washington be sustained in the midst of leadership transitions and the coming personnel changes in both capitals?
The Philippines and the United States have been allies and partners in advancing their common interests for decades. The Aquino and Obama Administrations have further expanded the base of our bilateral ties and opened up fresh avenues for cooperation. Exploration of these new areas, as well as the maintenance of engagement in traditional fields, will provide the momentum necessary to move bilateral relations forward through leadership changes in both countries.
President Aquino has expressed a desire to join the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and has sought the support of President Obama in this process. Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II has in the past expressed reservations about the TPP and recently announced it “dead” based on the positions stated by U.S. Presidential candidates. Could you foresee the Philippines pursuing this kind of trade pact, knowing that it would require challenging reforms such as on constitutional provisions restricting foreign ownership?
President Aquino and his economic managers have expressed our keen interest in the TPP on several occasions, and I, too, believe that the Philippines must be part of this 21st century agreement. We are carefully watching the internal acceptance processes of the twelve original TPP participants, including the United States. At the same time, we are also pursuing our own domestic efforts to lay down the necessary groundwork that the next government will need in addressing difficult changes that some sectors may need to undertake, including those relating to constitutional provisions.
The TPP will potentially benefit the Philippines by opening up markets, increasing FDI, supporting MSMEs and improving labor/environment standards, and I believe that this promise of positive welfare effects should give the next administration a reason to seriously consider Philippine participation in the TPP.
What do you think about the long term implications of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)? What are they key challenges in its implementation?
The EDCA is designed to promote between the Philippines and its defense treaty ally the United States the following: Interoperability; capacity building towards the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; strengthening AFP for external defense; Maritime Security; Maritime Domain Awareness; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR). The Agreement will further benefit the Philippines economically through the provision of jobs and other economic opportunities in the construction activities in the Agreed Locations and procurement of local goods and supplies by the US military and personnel.
We have hurdled the greatest challenge to EDCA’s implementation. With the decision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines on 12 January 2016 to uphold the constitutionality of EDCA, the Philippines and the US can fully implement the Agreement and inject dynamism into the alliance.
You served in the Administration of President Corazon Aquino following the EDSA People Power Revolution. Earlier this year the 30th anniversary of EDSA was commemorated, what should be remembered from this chapter in Filipino history?
The EDSA People Power Revolution should always be remembered as the birth of modern Filipino empowerment. It is a proud moment in our history as it showed the world our people’s courage, compassion and love for peace.
The People Power Revolution should also be recognized for having inspired peaceful uprisings that ended the oppression and corruption by autocratic regimes in other countries.
U.S.-ASEAN relations have been given significant attention under the Obama Administration, highlighted by the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Summit held at Sunnylands in February. You are recognized as the Dean of Asian Ambassadors here in town, how do you see the state of U.S.-ASEAN relations and the importance of Southeast Asia in Washington?
The Sunnylands summit signified the high priority that President Obama’s Administration has attached to its engagement with ASEAN, especially within the context of the US strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific. It is a recognition of Southeast Asia’s key role in promoting peace, security and prosperity in the region, and in building a regional order where all nations play by the same rules.
ASEAN is home to 622 million people and has a combined GDP of over US$2.6 trillion. As we approach the “40th/50th milestones” of ASEAN in 2017 with the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-US relations and the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of ASEAN, the Philippines is committed to working towards strategically deepening engagement with the US, particularly during our term as ASEAN Chair in 2017, to develop a more cohesive ASEAN firmly rooted in a rules-based order.
Funding from the new Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative has begun to flow to the Philippines and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Senator John McCain has been recognized for his effort to insert budget language that made this effort possible. How have you worked with Congress to advance the alliance relationship?
The leadership exhibited by Senator McCain, as well as other members of Congress, has resulted in the introduction of the Maritime Security Initiative in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2016, for developing the maritime security and maritime domain awareness capabilities of five select countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
Communication and personally engaging with legislators and the leadership of the key committees in Congress are key to ensuring that the Philippines’ key advocacies are known. Information sharing on the Philippines’ defense modernization plans and foreign policy priorities has also been important to highlight the commitment of the Philippines to be a proactive and reliable ally. Throughout last year and the first quarter of 2016, the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs and Defense also took time to engage members of Congress to highlight the security challenges faced by the Philippines. In sum, being a frequent visitor to Capitol Hill, has been the most effective way in developing strong bipartisan support to advance the Alliance.
The Philippines-US Friendship Caucus, re-launched during the 114th Congress, composed of 69 Representatives, has also advanced the Philippines’ advocacies. Representatives Bobby Scott and Darell Issa, respectively, have been excellent co-chairpersons of the Caucus.
What is the best possible outcome of the arbitration case launched by the Philippines against China at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea?
The Philippines maintains that the decision of the tribunal, once rendered, will be legally binding and should be accorded due respect by everyone.
We are joining other nations and regional organizations to underscore that the Tribunal’s decision should be binding on all parties.
The U.S.-Philippines Society opened a Washington DC office shortly before President Aquino’s visit in June 2012, how would you evaluate efforts to raise the profile of the Philippines in the U.S. and what role do Filipino-Americans have in this effort?
The US-Philippines Society has been a valued partner over the past four years in raising the profile of today's Philippines among targeted American audiences. Society programs have fostered business networking; showcased progress in our country's economic development and commitment to good governance; provided insights into the dynamics of Philippine politics, progress toward peace and stability in Mindanao, and responses to maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea; staged a series of cultural programs, including Philippine music, dance and design; and reminded Americans of how our unique history has matured into a modern, mutually beneficial bilateral relationship. As a non-profit bi-national organization, the Society worked with us to raise more than $2 million for relief and recovery after Typhoon Haiyan, ensuring those funds directly benefitted families in their time of need.
In all my travels across the US, I have listened to influential business leaders, local government officials and community builders tell me how Filipino Americans have contributed to building better communities and organizations, proving that the 3.4 million strong Filipino-American community is instrumental in projecting a positive image of the Philippines in this country.
Photo: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, left, and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Lampe Cuisia, Jr., right, pose for a photo at Ambassador Goldberg's swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on November 21, 2013. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
