Jessica et al. / Zulfaqar J. Def. Mgt. Soc. Sci. Hum. 1 Zulfaqar J. Def. Mgt. Soc. Sci. Hum. Vol. 4 Issue 1 (2021) 1-13 ZULFAQAR Journal of Defence Management, Social Science & Humanities Journal homepage: https://zulfaqarjdmssh.upnm.edu.my/index.php/zjdmssh/index BILATERAL RELATIONS OF PHILLIPINES AND MALAYSIA: THE ERA AND AFTER OF PRESIDENT MARCOS Jessica Ong Hai Liaw a,* , Mohamad Fadzly Mohd Yasin a , S. Inderjit, a Khairunnisa Mardzuki a , Haliza Mohd Zahari a , Wong Wai Loong a , Amnah Saayah Ismail a , Burhanuddin Abd Jalal a a Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000, Kuala Lumpur *Corresponding author: Jessica@upnm.edu.my ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history: Received 16-07-2020 Received in revised 25-11-2020 Accepted 10-02-2021 Available online 30-06-2021 The purpose of this paper is to discuss the foreign policy of the Philippines to improve their economic position after being in the country's internal political turmoil. The exploring on the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia since the leadership of President Carlos Garcia until President Rodrigo Duterte. At the international level, the termination of US military bases from the country in 1992 invites major challenge to the Philippines in the international arena, that changes the fate of the political elite position among Filipinos. The Philippines claim to Sabah as part of its territory, while Indonesia declares the region of Borneo as its territory through the desire of Sukarno to establish Indonesia Raya. The claim of Sabah by the Philippines for over thirty years. The conflict in the southern Philippines over the MILF and MNL as well as the latest issue relating to the economic downturn in 1997 until 1998 generates a relationship that cannot be avoided between the Philippines and Malaysia. The support of the two countries towards the United Nations and the positive support towards the role of ASEAN's makes bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Philippines. The contributions on the harmonious relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia is the result of the spirit of Asian countries formed through policies of both countries to support ASEAN. © Jessica Ong Hai Liaw 2021. All rights reserved. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58247/jdmssh-2021-0401-01 Keywords: Bilateral, relations, harmonious, policies, economic e-ISSN: 2773-529X Type: Article Introduction The foreign policy of the the Philippines was revamped based on the spirit of relations with neighbouring countries where it has been bounded through many organisations and forum in South East Asia. This country which is a part of UN and in United Nations Specialised Agency, and has a close relationship with the OIC. This country also has played an important position over the past few years in ASEAN. Apart from that, it also has good quality affairs with Arab Countries for there are above of 100 000 Philipines working in the Arab country. The Philippines in support of democracy and human rights can be seen through its foreign policy. The Philippines Armed Forces and the Police has participated in several joint operations regardless in Asian area or internationally. Their participation in peacekeeping operations, and the fact that a general of the Philippines Army has served as the First Government in Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations in East Timor.