Executive Summary
This study explores the Philippines' maritime defense strategy through the lens of the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA), institutionalized by Executive Order No. 70. It examines internal and external threats, inter-agency coordination, and civil society integration, concluding that while WONA is a promising framework, its implementation faces bureaucratic fragmentation, resource constraints, and geopolitical pressures. Policy recommendations focus on enhancing institutional capacity, fostering regional cooperation, and aligning maritime security with socioeconomic goals.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for understanding the Philippines' evolving national security posture and its strategic response to complex maritime challenges, particularly in the contested South China Sea, offering insights into multi-stakeholder defense strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The Philippines employs a Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA) to address multifaceted maritime security threats, including territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
- Implementation of WONA faces significant challenges such as bureaucratic fragmentation, resource limitations, and geopolitical pressures, despite its potential for inclusive governance.
- Effective maritime defense requires enhanced institutional capacity, robust regional cooperation, and a foreign policy that balances diplomatic engagement with assertive protection of national interests.
Strategic Relevance
The study highlights the strategic importance of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to maritime defense for archipelagic states like the Philippines, especially in regions with intense geopolitical competition and territorial disputes. It underscores the need for both internal governance reforms and external diplomatic and defense alliances to safeguard national sovereignty and economic interests.