Nobody expected its occurrence. It was just an ordinary day turned extraordinary. The Filipino people had various reactions. Some hated the government for the mode of action they had made while others were ashamed of being a Filipino, something I am totally against of. We should never be ashamed of our own country, no matter what.
The event totally changed a lot of things: from investments and capital to tourists, etc. I have three major points on the Manila hostage incident:
First, it was a major challenge for a young administration to handle. Well, I am not really sure on what the past administrations would have done and whether it will be better or even worse. The Malacanang Palace believed that the hostage incident will end orderly since hostages were released one after the other. But what they thought was wrong.
Honestly, I really wasn’t that confident with the Philippine National Police, especially on its weapons and other armor. And it shows that our government does not prioritize the Police Corps. It is saddening to see our policemen combat in that manner. It shows to other countries what type of security the country has. What if there’s going to be a war tomorrow? Is the Philippines ready to engage? I don’t think so. We have so much lagging in our country, and security is one major area of concern.
My second concern is regarding the various Media groups’ coverage. Three events astonished me. First, there were some crew who hid behind the tree and one of the citizens hiding with them was accidentally shot. Second, the media are about 15 meters near the bus. Where else in the world would you see Media going that near? It is only in the country. According to law, they should stay as far as the shooting range and capacity of the weapon of the hostage taker. And third, Media intensified the incident. Yes, they want to have the best news coverage to get more audience and higher pay but they should also know their limits. Especially, the hostage-taker had the capacity to watch the television inside the bus. The Media should have been more careful.
And my last point would be some of the effects of the incident. First is the anguish of the Hongkong citizens. It was then followed by the act of black listing the Philippines by Hongkong, which was followed by other countries. Second, the percentages of tourists going to the Philippines especially from China and Hongkong were immediately gone. They cancelled their flights and hotel reservations.
Third, the economic market was also affected. The number businesses and investors were decreasing, especially those from China. And third is to the Filipino people, especially to the OFW’s in Hongkong. They were scared. They were maltreated. Some of them were not given food while others were kicked out of their jobs. We should see the incident in a positive point of view.
We must look at the incident as a venue for Filipinos to united rather than to divide. We must help one another, cooperate with the government and never lose hope.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
SEM-CDA: Rights of Child Soldiers
I am glad to hear a speech from a soldier himself, Sgt. Kevin Ras. I was enlightened by his speech. What struck me most is his admission that they had a difficulty in seeing whether the soldier is a child or not. I also learned in the seminar how much the children soldiers are trained in a very young and innocent age. Moreover, it is not just the physical training but the emotional and spiritual training that they are given. Now I understand why they posses so much great anger against the government. It is because they are taught that all the government does is wrong.
The lecture of Col. Dickson Hermoso was very detailed and interesting also. There were times that I can relate our lessons in class into his lecture because Ms. Tin taught us about the conflict in Mindanao. I must agree to him that the Philippines needs skillful diplomats to be part of the negotiating panel. What was new to me is that Malaysia is the most threatened country in Southeast Asia. It has problems with Southern Thailand and Northern portion of Malaysia, its problem with Singapore on water, its problems with Indonesia and ofcourse with the Philippines, the Sabah and Spratlys issues. It was really new to me. Thus, it shows that Malaysia needs to work and push towards its national security.
And lastly, something interesting that I learned is that the declining number of MNLF. Yet, they according to Col. Hermoso, they act as “Robin Hoods” in the villages. I agree with Col. Hermoso that not all Muslims are bad. The stereotype needs to be changed. I have a lot of Muslim friends that are very friendly and helpful. And I also agree that the culture of violence is already deeply rooted. The government needs to properly plan its action.
The lecture of Col. Dickson Hermoso was very detailed and interesting also. There were times that I can relate our lessons in class into his lecture because Ms. Tin taught us about the conflict in Mindanao. I must agree to him that the Philippines needs skillful diplomats to be part of the negotiating panel. What was new to me is that Malaysia is the most threatened country in Southeast Asia. It has problems with Southern Thailand and Northern portion of Malaysia, its problem with Singapore on water, its problems with Indonesia and ofcourse with the Philippines, the Sabah and Spratlys issues. It was really new to me. Thus, it shows that Malaysia needs to work and push towards its national security.
And lastly, something interesting that I learned is that the declining number of MNLF. Yet, they according to Col. Hermoso, they act as “Robin Hoods” in the villages. I agree with Col. Hermoso that not all Muslims are bad. The stereotype needs to be changed. I have a lot of Muslim friends that are very friendly and helpful. And I also agree that the culture of violence is already deeply rooted. The government needs to properly plan its action.
SEM-CDA: Public Diplomacy
A word to describe the seminar is: Powerful. Honestly, it was one of the best seminars that I have ever attended. I learned a lot of things. All of them were very interesting. I had my top three realizations and learnings:
First, I have the same belief with Mr. Domingo Ramon, I believe that experience is the best teacher. It is also the reason why I believe that the greatest knowledge that I can learn in school isn’t inside the classroom but about the real life experiences that I have with friends, faculty and fellow officers in the organization. If I were to add on that it would be that we should always remember to go back to our past and not just walk our path towards the future because it had a part into what we now are.
Second, I agree that we should be positive citizens. I really liked what he said on being positive Filipinos. “You can write a page or two about the negative things in your country but you can write a book about your country full of positive things,” He said. For me, it’s just a matter of state of mind. When we think positively, everything will flow the way we think of it.
And the third realization pertains in marketing the country. It is not new to me that the Department of Tourism is one of the areas of the government that receives low budget. Thus, the remedy is the word of mouth marketing. It is truly the cheapest and most effective. It’s really true base on experience. In a symposium that I attended in Malaysia, there were different youth leaders from different countries. After the event, we bid goodbyes and invited each other to visit one in his/her own country. I also invited them to go to the Philippines. Many of them want to see the beaches of the Philippines and they were glad that they knew someone from the Philippines that would tour them around. I was really glad to market my own country. The feeling is truly unique and overwhelming.
First, I have the same belief with Mr. Domingo Ramon, I believe that experience is the best teacher. It is also the reason why I believe that the greatest knowledge that I can learn in school isn’t inside the classroom but about the real life experiences that I have with friends, faculty and fellow officers in the organization. If I were to add on that it would be that we should always remember to go back to our past and not just walk our path towards the future because it had a part into what we now are.
Second, I agree that we should be positive citizens. I really liked what he said on being positive Filipinos. “You can write a page or two about the negative things in your country but you can write a book about your country full of positive things,” He said. For me, it’s just a matter of state of mind. When we think positively, everything will flow the way we think of it.
And the third realization pertains in marketing the country. It is not new to me that the Department of Tourism is one of the areas of the government that receives low budget. Thus, the remedy is the word of mouth marketing. It is truly the cheapest and most effective. It’s really true base on experience. In a symposium that I attended in Malaysia, there were different youth leaders from different countries. After the event, we bid goodbyes and invited each other to visit one in his/her own country. I also invited them to go to the Philippines. Many of them want to see the beaches of the Philippines and they were glad that they knew someone from the Philippines that would tour them around. I was really glad to market my own country. The feeling is truly unique and overwhelming.
SEM-CDA: What's your World Vision?
The point of the seminar is to inform the students that they have a shared vision and mission to pursue with the government. Currently, the youth has a lot of concerns and problems. It’s as if there’s no end in their problem solving cases. We all have our own vision but we must never forget that we have other people to help us to achieve them.
I was inspired by one of the speakers, Mr. Juan Miguel Lago. He is an alumnus of the College and is part of the World Vision team in the Country. I felt that I was very luck to study in DLS-CSB while there are children who can’t even afford to go to school. I was really interested in the idea of Child Sponsorship. As what he has mentioned in his presentation in the seminar, sponsorship is a great way for any individual to make a real and life-changing difference for one precious boy or girl in need, along with his/ her family and community.
The approach to change that they are using are Sustainable and Participatory. They are not just the ones who run the organization but people help them to achieve their vision. I think the idea of sponsorship pledges was difficult and expensive but it wasn’t. The regular sponsorship pledge is P600 a month, or P20 a day or P7, 200 annually. And what’s surprising is that it will also provide all of the needs of the children. If you to think of it, it’s like a small amount yet it is able to provide and sustain the child’s needs. P20 a day is not a big sacrifice for me. It’s equivalent to one mango shake in the cafeteria or one bag of chips in the mall. Why don’t we save them instead and make something bigger out of the P20?
I was inspired by one of the speakers, Mr. Juan Miguel Lago. He is an alumnus of the College and is part of the World Vision team in the Country. I felt that I was very luck to study in DLS-CSB while there are children who can’t even afford to go to school. I was really interested in the idea of Child Sponsorship. As what he has mentioned in his presentation in the seminar, sponsorship is a great way for any individual to make a real and life-changing difference for one precious boy or girl in need, along with his/ her family and community.
The approach to change that they are using are Sustainable and Participatory. They are not just the ones who run the organization but people help them to achieve their vision. I think the idea of sponsorship pledges was difficult and expensive but it wasn’t. The regular sponsorship pledge is P600 a month, or P20 a day or P7, 200 annually. And what’s surprising is that it will also provide all of the needs of the children. If you to think of it, it’s like a small amount yet it is able to provide and sustain the child’s needs. P20 a day is not a big sacrifice for me. It’s equivalent to one mango shake in the cafeteria or one bag of chips in the mall. Why don’t we save them instead and make something bigger out of the P20?
SEM-CDA: Transnational Crimes
The seminar had a focus on money-laundering. The presenters were very detailed in their presentation. Though there were times when I couldn’t get the idea being presented, I think the seminar got me really interested. I guess it’s because I am affected by it very much. Well, every individual is affected as long as money is being talked about.
I learned a lot of technical terms about money-laundering, specifically Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. The law is very important in the Philippines. I have observed that there are many incidents in the country that exhibits money laundering and most of the time it is also related to incidents of prostitution and drugs. But having the RA should not satisfy it, it should be fully and properly implemented. I also realize the drastic situation of the Philippines before when the law was not yet crafted. I think that it was really difficult to punish the many offenders.
As mentioned by Gen. Robert Lastimoso, transnational crimes have an international dimension because the act needs atleast two countries for it to be officially considered. After the session, I remember my travels abroad. When we arrived in the country, we need to surrender the total monetary amount that we are carrying. It is because there is a limit in bring money. But still, many individuals are not caught. An example would this would be government officials who open bank accounts abroad and put all of the money that they have gotten. So that it would be difficult to trace them. In the 21st century, greater challenges are rising. Thus, countries need to be innovative in creating their security mechanisms and programs.
I learned a lot of technical terms about money-laundering, specifically Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. The law is very important in the Philippines. I have observed that there are many incidents in the country that exhibits money laundering and most of the time it is also related to incidents of prostitution and drugs. But having the RA should not satisfy it, it should be fully and properly implemented. I also realize the drastic situation of the Philippines before when the law was not yet crafted. I think that it was really difficult to punish the many offenders.
As mentioned by Gen. Robert Lastimoso, transnational crimes have an international dimension because the act needs atleast two countries for it to be officially considered. After the session, I remember my travels abroad. When we arrived in the country, we need to surrender the total monetary amount that we are carrying. It is because there is a limit in bring money. But still, many individuals are not caught. An example would this would be government officials who open bank accounts abroad and put all of the money that they have gotten. So that it would be difficult to trace them. In the 21st century, greater challenges are rising. Thus, countries need to be innovative in creating their security mechanisms and programs.
Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)
The Visiting Forces Agreement needs to be ratified and renegotiated with the United States. I see two major points that is within the VFA. First is the national security of the country and its nationals and second is the development of the country’s military.
Undoubtedly, the VFA totally strikes our national security. First are the nuclear weapons. Why does the government allow passage of nuclear weapons? It is very unconstitutional and didn’t we also sign an agreement with the ASEAN for a nuclear free Southeast Asian Region? Second, when the American soldiers commit crimes, they cannot be subject to Philippine law? It is so nerve-wracking. How can the government allow such agreement? It’s undermining the people’s right and the country’s sovereignty. It’s as if the Philippines is not an independent country. It seems like we are a puppet government of the US and whatever they will tell us, we should follow. The unforgettable Subic Rape Case is one. The American soldier stayed in the US Embassy and lived as if he did not commit any crime. It is totally unjust. And third, the agreement is vague, specifically to the term “activities”. Can you just imagine the country immediately engaging in war due to the role reason of the VFA? The Philippines is not ready for war but when it comes, we can’t just say to our opponents that we are not ready.
And the second one is pertaining to the development of our navy and air force. We are very much lagging behind our Southeast Asian neighbors. We believed that the US will aid the country in times of war or conflicts with other countries but nowhere in the VFA is the US obliged to come in our side in case of such conflict with a third party and the US is also not obliged to aid in modernizing our weapons system. An example would be the South China Sea conflict where the Philippines is a claimant together with other countries including China. Do we expect the US to take our side and not China? It will never happen. It is time for the government to improve our military most especially our navy since we are an archipelagic country.
I hope the current administration will pursue an independent foreign policy geared towards the protection of the nationals and the total recognition of our national sovereignty.
Undoubtedly, the VFA totally strikes our national security. First are the nuclear weapons. Why does the government allow passage of nuclear weapons? It is very unconstitutional and didn’t we also sign an agreement with the ASEAN for a nuclear free Southeast Asian Region? Second, when the American soldiers commit crimes, they cannot be subject to Philippine law? It is so nerve-wracking. How can the government allow such agreement? It’s undermining the people’s right and the country’s sovereignty. It’s as if the Philippines is not an independent country. It seems like we are a puppet government of the US and whatever they will tell us, we should follow. The unforgettable Subic Rape Case is one. The American soldier stayed in the US Embassy and lived as if he did not commit any crime. It is totally unjust. And third, the agreement is vague, specifically to the term “activities”. Can you just imagine the country immediately engaging in war due to the role reason of the VFA? The Philippines is not ready for war but when it comes, we can’t just say to our opponents that we are not ready.
And the second one is pertaining to the development of our navy and air force. We are very much lagging behind our Southeast Asian neighbors. We believed that the US will aid the country in times of war or conflicts with other countries but nowhere in the VFA is the US obliged to come in our side in case of such conflict with a third party and the US is also not obliged to aid in modernizing our weapons system. An example would be the South China Sea conflict where the Philippines is a claimant together with other countries including China. Do we expect the US to take our side and not China? It will never happen. It is time for the government to improve our military most especially our navy since we are an archipelagic country.
I hope the current administration will pursue an independent foreign policy geared towards the protection of the nationals and the total recognition of our national sovereignty.
An interdependent world
I had three significant learnings and realizations in our class discussion. First is regarding regional arrangements. In our world today, there are various regional arrangements. Since it is one of the major concerns of our foreign policy, it affects the policy’s crafting process. I learned that even though these regional groups are diverse in nature, still all of the diplomatic initiatives that occur concerns the economy. These regional arrangements aim towards the expansion of markets and trade. Before, I thought that there are only specific regional economic groups and they are only the ones who deal with economic concerns.
My second realization is regarding Philippine tourism. Despite tourism being one of the major concern of the Philippine’s foreign policy, there is still no clear focus on how to prioritize and act on it. Noting that the Department of Tourism is one of the Departments that receive low budget and most of which are spent abroad and not in the country, we can see how can government prioritizes tourism. In class, we have stated that the airline industry needs to be liberalized. I and some of my classmates pondered in class why is it more expensive to travel in the Philippines than going abroad, such as in Hongkong? It is due to the privatization of the airline companies. It causes Filipino citizens to be aliens or foreigners in their own native land.
And my third realization is regarding another foreign policy concern, the OFW’s. There is really a need to educate them. Educate them on the country’s culture, the laws and policies of the government or State and most of all on the role of the government in helping them abroad. There are a lot of things that needs to be taught to the OFW’s. I also studied in my class before titled Philippine Policies on OFW’s that there is a required seminar or pre-departure orientation seminar or PDOS to the OFW’s. Yet, I think that there is still a problem regarding its implementation because many of our OFW’s still aren’t knowledgeable on the basic information that they should have known. At the end of the day, I still believe that it will depend on the OFW, whether to follow the rules or not.
My second realization is regarding Philippine tourism. Despite tourism being one of the major concern of the Philippine’s foreign policy, there is still no clear focus on how to prioritize and act on it. Noting that the Department of Tourism is one of the Departments that receive low budget and most of which are spent abroad and not in the country, we can see how can government prioritizes tourism. In class, we have stated that the airline industry needs to be liberalized. I and some of my classmates pondered in class why is it more expensive to travel in the Philippines than going abroad, such as in Hongkong? It is due to the privatization of the airline companies. It causes Filipino citizens to be aliens or foreigners in their own native land.
And my third realization is regarding another foreign policy concern, the OFW’s. There is really a need to educate them. Educate them on the country’s culture, the laws and policies of the government or State and most of all on the role of the government in helping them abroad. There are a lot of things that needs to be taught to the OFW’s. I also studied in my class before titled Philippine Policies on OFW’s that there is a required seminar or pre-departure orientation seminar or PDOS to the OFW’s. Yet, I think that there is still a problem regarding its implementation because many of our OFW’s still aren’t knowledgeable on the basic information that they should have known. At the end of the day, I still believe that it will depend on the OFW, whether to follow the rules or not.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Reaction on P-Noy's ASEAN day speech
I was glad that the President of the country, finally, was able to give a speech regarding its foreign policies and goals. But after reading the speech I felt that even though he was able to point his stand and actions on specific international issues, he was not able to present them deeply. I have three major points on his speech.
First is his statement that the country “will continue to participate in discussions on issues of concern within the region, and abide by the ASEAN Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea”. I believe that participating and obeying the code is not enough. I expected him to say something that would sound like strengthening our claims on the South China Sea and ensuring that the national territory and the citizens are greatly protected. The country must learn that action is needed now. But with the various problems and issues confronting the government and the President, will he still be able to act on these various international issues. I am also afraid that the 2015 target of the ASEAN community would fail. I just hope that the country still would be able to perform its duty in the region side by side with its duty of the Filipino nation.
Second, in his speech, he said, “I am tasking the Chair of the Commission on Higher Education and the Secretary of Education, to see to it that this Charter is disseminated in our schools”. I agree that the youth must be informed on the ASEAN and the charter. Among the other ASEAN members, I see that the Filipinos are not really aware on ASEAN and as a founding member, it should be the case. Moreover, the Filipino people must be involved so that they know on how they can help in the achievement of these programs.
And third, I have to agree with him stating that “the greatest antidote to war, the most effective instrument of peace and mutual understanding, is cultural exposure and cooperation”. It is really true. The current generation, especially the youth, must be involved in the country’s development. And the country is able to provide these programs such as its bilateral agreement with South Korea which includes a Youth Exchange program between South Korea and the Philippines. The youth has a big role in the country. For now, it may not be that visible but in the future, we will see it clearly. We should see culture as a uniting force rather than a force that will divide us.
First is his statement that the country “will continue to participate in discussions on issues of concern within the region, and abide by the ASEAN Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea”. I believe that participating and obeying the code is not enough. I expected him to say something that would sound like strengthening our claims on the South China Sea and ensuring that the national territory and the citizens are greatly protected. The country must learn that action is needed now. But with the various problems and issues confronting the government and the President, will he still be able to act on these various international issues. I am also afraid that the 2015 target of the ASEAN community would fail. I just hope that the country still would be able to perform its duty in the region side by side with its duty of the Filipino nation.
Second, in his speech, he said, “I am tasking the Chair of the Commission on Higher Education and the Secretary of Education, to see to it that this Charter is disseminated in our schools”. I agree that the youth must be informed on the ASEAN and the charter. Among the other ASEAN members, I see that the Filipinos are not really aware on ASEAN and as a founding member, it should be the case. Moreover, the Filipino people must be involved so that they know on how they can help in the achievement of these programs.
And third, I have to agree with him stating that “the greatest antidote to war, the most effective instrument of peace and mutual understanding, is cultural exposure and cooperation”. It is really true. The current generation, especially the youth, must be involved in the country’s development. And the country is able to provide these programs such as its bilateral agreement with South Korea which includes a Youth Exchange program between South Korea and the Philippines. The youth has a big role in the country. For now, it may not be that visible but in the future, we will see it clearly. We should see culture as a uniting force rather than a force that will divide us.
The long quest for change
There is complex interdependence in international relations. Everything is interconnected and in the current era of globalization, countries need to adapt to the various changes that have been occurring in world politics today.
The Philippines establishes various agreements that are conducted in an executive, bilateral or multilateral level. Last meeting, our group was assigned to report on a country, wherein the Philippines needs to establish or strengthen its relations. My group chose the Republic of Korea. We elaborated that the Philippines and South Korea posses deep mutual relationship, wherein it has just celebrated its 60th year of the establishment of bilateral ties. We need to strengthen our relations with them and create new policies, programs and agreements that would enable a stronger relationship. This may be centered on cultural exchanges between the youth, economic and financial cooperation between the two countries, state visits, and more. In the last four years, the number of Korean students going in the country has immensely increased. In DLS-CSB alone, more than half of the international student community is Koreans. We need to strengthen ties because the South Korea can be a major aid to the country in its goal towards national economic growth and development and vice-versa. Friendship between the two must be enhanced and promulgated towards mutual benefit.
I am also glad to learn the difference between trade creation and trade diversion. This shows how great the current connection is between countries wherein trade can not only occur directly but also indirectly. What more can we expect in the future? There is totally more to look out for and our relations with various countries would be of great help in our quest in looking for solutions to the current and future problems of this country.
The Philippines establishes various agreements that are conducted in an executive, bilateral or multilateral level. Last meeting, our group was assigned to report on a country, wherein the Philippines needs to establish or strengthen its relations. My group chose the Republic of Korea. We elaborated that the Philippines and South Korea posses deep mutual relationship, wherein it has just celebrated its 60th year of the establishment of bilateral ties. We need to strengthen our relations with them and create new policies, programs and agreements that would enable a stronger relationship. This may be centered on cultural exchanges between the youth, economic and financial cooperation between the two countries, state visits, and more. In the last four years, the number of Korean students going in the country has immensely increased. In DLS-CSB alone, more than half of the international student community is Koreans. We need to strengthen ties because the South Korea can be a major aid to the country in its goal towards national economic growth and development and vice-versa. Friendship between the two must be enhanced and promulgated towards mutual benefit.
I am also glad to learn the difference between trade creation and trade diversion. This shows how great the current connection is between countries wherein trade can not only occur directly but also indirectly. What more can we expect in the future? There is totally more to look out for and our relations with various countries would be of great help in our quest in looking for solutions to the current and future problems of this country.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Where is an independent Philippine foreign policy?
The Visiting Forces Agreement needs to be ratified and renegotiated with the United States. I see two major points that is within the VFA. First is the national security of the country and its nationals and second is the development of the country’s military.
Undoubtedly, the VFA totally strikes our national security. First are the nuclear weapons. Why does the government allow passage of nuclear weapons? It is very unconstitutional and didn’t we also sign an agreement with the ASEAN for a nuclear free Southeast Asian Region? Second, when the American soldiers commit crimes, they cannot be subject to Philippine law? It is so nerve-wracking. How can the government allow such agreement? It’s undermining the people’s right and the country’s sovereignty. It’s as if the Philippines is not an independent country. It seems like we are a puppet government of the US and whatever they will tell us, we should follow. The unforgettable Subic Rape Case is one. The American soldier stayed in the US Embassy and lived as if he did not commit any crime. It is totally unjust. And third, the agreement is vague, specifically to the term “activities”. Can you just imagine the country immediately engaging in war due to the role reason of the VFA? The Philippines is not ready for war but when it comes, we can’t just say to our opponents that we are not ready.
And the second one is pertaining to the development of our navy and air force. We are very much lagging behind our Southeast Asian neighbors. We believed that the US will aid the country in times of war or conflicts with other countries but nowhere in the VFA is the US obliged to come in our side in case of such conflict with a third party and the US is also not obliged to aid in modernizing our weapons system. An example would be the South China Sea conflict where the Philippines is a claimant together with other countries including China. Do we expect the US to take our side and not China? It will never happen. It is time for the government to improve our military most especially our navy since we are an archipelagic country.
I hope the current administration will pursue an independent foreign policy geared towards the protection of the nationals and the total recognition of our national sovereignty.
Undoubtedly, the VFA totally strikes our national security. First are the nuclear weapons. Why does the government allow passage of nuclear weapons? It is very unconstitutional and didn’t we also sign an agreement with the ASEAN for a nuclear free Southeast Asian Region? Second, when the American soldiers commit crimes, they cannot be subject to Philippine law? It is so nerve-wracking. How can the government allow such agreement? It’s undermining the people’s right and the country’s sovereignty. It’s as if the Philippines is not an independent country. It seems like we are a puppet government of the US and whatever they will tell us, we should follow. The unforgettable Subic Rape Case is one. The American soldier stayed in the US Embassy and lived as if he did not commit any crime. It is totally unjust. And third, the agreement is vague, specifically to the term “activities”. Can you just imagine the country immediately engaging in war due to the role reason of the VFA? The Philippines is not ready for war but when it comes, we can’t just say to our opponents that we are not ready.
And the second one is pertaining to the development of our navy and air force. We are very much lagging behind our Southeast Asian neighbors. We believed that the US will aid the country in times of war or conflicts with other countries but nowhere in the VFA is the US obliged to come in our side in case of such conflict with a third party and the US is also not obliged to aid in modernizing our weapons system. An example would be the South China Sea conflict where the Philippines is a claimant together with other countries including China. Do we expect the US to take our side and not China? It will never happen. It is time for the government to improve our military most especially our navy since we are an archipelagic country.
I hope the current administration will pursue an independent foreign policy geared towards the protection of the nationals and the total recognition of our national sovereignty.
P-Noy SONA vs PGMA SONA
The most notable difference in the SONA delivered by PGMA and P-Noy is the language that was used. PGMA used Taglish but most of it was in English while P-Noy used entirely Tagalog. Though it was not really original because former President Erap was the first one to do it during his inauguration, I still liked the idea of P-Noy using Tagalog. I have two major reasons for such.
First, the president is addressing the Filipinos and not really the international community. I had an impression in the past administration of PGMA that she was trying to impress the foreign community rather than trying to enlighten and to inform the Filipino people, especially the poor. It was as if the president was trying to get the approval of the foreign community rather than trying to get the cooperation of Filipino people, again especially the poor. Undeniably, a State of the Nation Address written and delivered in Tagalog language will be able to inform and empower the Filipino people as compared to an English one. And my second reason is that there are some things simply better said in Filipino or other local dialects. During or after PGMA has delivered her SONA, I would hear in the news that Filipinos are complaining because they didn’t understand the entire speech, which shouldn’t be the case. Every Filipino must understand it fully. How can the Filipinos help in the country’s progress if first and foremost they doesn’t know the president’s agenda and how they can aid on them? Yes, the Filipinos are commended, across the globe, for speaking good English but that is that enough reason for the president not to use Tagalog.
Upon reading the past SONA of PGMA I noticed that she was able to mention a lot of development and progress that will or that has happened to the country. These include a strong and free economy, doubled tourism industry, strong government bureaucracy and a lot of infrastructures and I mean a lot. These infrastructures include housing, roads, bridges and more. I was really disappointed with PGMA’s SONA. It was not fully honest and empowering. I guess the various controversies had affected the State of the Nation. But was the Address given by PGMA really the “true” State of the Nation?
P-Noy’s SONA in contrast with PGMA is very tact and honest. For me, he was really able to present the “true” State of the Nation yet he lacked solutions to these problems. There were also various issues that were not presented such as the relations of the country with other State and with IO’s such as the UN, the Hacienda Luisita issue and the governments plan or policies in addressing climate change and other environmental issues. Well, since the SONA was fully delivered in Tagalog, it was an indication that P-Noy wanted to focus on the domestic sphere of development. And I believe that in his last SONA he will be able to present developments but I think that he will not be able to solve all of the problems confronting the country. It was said, 6 years is too short for a good President but too long for a bad one. One thing that I must say, I have hope with the current administration and I was totally empowered. God bless the Philippines.
First, the president is addressing the Filipinos and not really the international community. I had an impression in the past administration of PGMA that she was trying to impress the foreign community rather than trying to enlighten and to inform the Filipino people, especially the poor. It was as if the president was trying to get the approval of the foreign community rather than trying to get the cooperation of Filipino people, again especially the poor. Undeniably, a State of the Nation Address written and delivered in Tagalog language will be able to inform and empower the Filipino people as compared to an English one. And my second reason is that there are some things simply better said in Filipino or other local dialects. During or after PGMA has delivered her SONA, I would hear in the news that Filipinos are complaining because they didn’t understand the entire speech, which shouldn’t be the case. Every Filipino must understand it fully. How can the Filipinos help in the country’s progress if first and foremost they doesn’t know the president’s agenda and how they can aid on them? Yes, the Filipinos are commended, across the globe, for speaking good English but that is that enough reason for the president not to use Tagalog.
Upon reading the past SONA of PGMA I noticed that she was able to mention a lot of development and progress that will or that has happened to the country. These include a strong and free economy, doubled tourism industry, strong government bureaucracy and a lot of infrastructures and I mean a lot. These infrastructures include housing, roads, bridges and more. I was really disappointed with PGMA’s SONA. It was not fully honest and empowering. I guess the various controversies had affected the State of the Nation. But was the Address given by PGMA really the “true” State of the Nation?
P-Noy’s SONA in contrast with PGMA is very tact and honest. For me, he was really able to present the “true” State of the Nation yet he lacked solutions to these problems. There were also various issues that were not presented such as the relations of the country with other State and with IO’s such as the UN, the Hacienda Luisita issue and the governments plan or policies in addressing climate change and other environmental issues. Well, since the SONA was fully delivered in Tagalog, it was an indication that P-Noy wanted to focus on the domestic sphere of development. And I believe that in his last SONA he will be able to present developments but I think that he will not be able to solve all of the problems confronting the country. It was said, 6 years is too short for a good President but too long for a bad one. One thing that I must say, I have hope with the current administration and I was totally empowered. God bless the Philippines.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The “yellow” road
“The Philippines is slowly moving to the road of light,” these were the words that stayed in my mind after the class discussion on the SONA of P-Noy. This evening’s lecture was full of facts. I am glad that we were able to analyze the SONA of the President. Actually, it should be our duty as Filipino citizens to listen to the SONA. Thus, everyone should watch, listen or read the SONA. I learned about the Fiscal Responsibility Bill. Same with P-Noy, I agree that the bill should pass. There is a dire need for the Philippine government to have transparency and accountability. If the bill will pass, it would be great for the country. But, the big debate comes on the execution process of the bill. With the various laws in the country being passed in the Congress, how many have been actually executed? Therefore, the government must learn to prioritize their goals. Same with our professor, Ms. Tin, I am also afraid that the current government might only dwell with the problems of the past administration. I do hope that they will be able to deliver most if not all of the needs of the people and the promises that they have given. Lastly, I’m glad to learn that the history of the word Cabinet. I can relate it with my organization, COD. I chose my fellow officers because I trust them. In any organization, it is important that you trust one another. The government, as an organization, also needs to trust each other. Most importantly, we should trust one another. It is the key towards the road of success and development.
Where is a united Philippines?
After the class discussion, I realized greatly the diversity in the country and that the geographical division continues to be a hindrance to development and growth. The main lesson that stayed in my mind after the lecture was that the problem in Mindanao is not only a domestic problem. It affects our relationship with other countries around the world. Mindanao is an area rich with natural resources and in cultural diversity. But, the region has not developed much. The Mindanao region ranked lowest in Human Development Index and highest in Poverty Rates. In addition, back door exits are alo rampant in the area and the country is still in a Tierra 2 rating in decreasing Human Trafficking acts in the region. Therefore, the quest for growth and development remains a major area of concern and debate. If the region could only be developed, the Philippines would be able to develop fully especially Mindanao itself. There are a lot of factors to consider. The history of the country is one. The Spanish sold the Philippines to the Americans. The agreement included the area of Mindanao but actually, the area was not conquered by the Spaniards. Therefore, from the start, Mindanao was not really part of the country if we will base everything on a historical analysis. But ofcourse, the government would not allow them to separate. Again, it’s because of the region’s resources. I was disappointed that PGMA was not able to address the issues fully. It was stagnant. It was purely a waste of time. It hindered the growth of the country. To add, the Maguindanao massacre is also a major concern and the country’s reputation in the international community. The people need to be one. Therefore the government must help them be one. But the question still unfolds. When will we, as a country, unite?
Nothing’s written in stone
In the course International Relations, I learned about the Foreign Policy. What it is, how is it formulated and who executes it. The Foreign Policy guides the country to promote its relations with other countries. It is being formulated by the President and executed, mainly, by the DFA. In class, we also differentiated Diplomacy from Foreign Policy. Diplomacy was the channel or arm that you will use while the Foreign Policies are your goals and objectives. You can achieve your Foreign Policy through Diplomacy. And after the class discussion, I fully affirmed the difference. I am also glad to learn the cycle of the process of creating foreign policies. It is really important that you know your goals and objectives before creating your policies. It can be related to class. We are given class syllabus because it will guide us and the objectives of the course and activities are also included. Or in an organization, before creating projects, we must have objectives. It will be better because we will be able to create programs and policies that are needed by the community. The same with the country, the government must create polcies that are needed by the people. These policies are always for the State and for the people. That is the number one rule in creating policies. They are always for something and not just for nothing. Thus, they should be well thought of. After that, it is also important to evaluate. It is the tool that we can use to improve the policy or program. As mentioned on class. It is a continuous stirring process and it does not end. I would like to add that in this world, nothing is written in stone and change is inevitable. Therefore, we must learn on how to adapt to these changes brought by the world. Anything can happen, anytime and anywhere.
Unique Philippines. WOW Philippines!
The history of the country had a big role into where it is right now. I realize that truly, it is important that we learn our history in creating foreign policy. It will enable us to learn from these mistakes and improve the policies and programs made in the past. Culture and tradition is included in the discourse of history. For me, the history of the Philippines is one of the most interesting histories in the world. My professor in Philippine history even once told me that we should be more interested that our own history because we are Filipinos. And he also said that our history is very interesting and unique. It is not boring as compared to other countries. It is extraordinary. And I have to agree with him. The Philippines really has a different and one of a kind history. I also felt that there is a need to amend the Constitution. It is the fundamental law of the land and I believe that there are certain parts that need change. But, I don’t think that this is the right time to amend it due to the people present in the government. It will have its proper time. The current administration must fully work on the three non-negotiable policies of the country. These are very important and if they will be well executed. The Philippines will be a better Philippines. We must still remember that the Foreign Policy is an extension of the domestic policies of the country. And that our history must be looked back to when we are creating policies. I believe that history repeats itself. But just like what the theory of Social Constructivism. We create our own lives and that what we are today is because of what we did in the past.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Midterm Paper in PHIFOCY
10853944 Midterm Paper in PHIFOCY: The South China Sea 07/19/10
The South China Sea, considered as one of the largest sea bodies after the five oceans around the world, has an important role in the Southeast Asian region, specifically on the region’s security. In addition, the South China Sea also possesses a significant strategic position next to major commercial Sea Lines of Communications and the area’s abundance in hydrocarbons. There is a dire search, of countries, for fossil energy resources. And the Spratly Islands can provide these natural gas and oil resources. With the area’s importance and great role in world affairs and state relations, a country’s possession of such area is, indeed, a great relief and help. But, who owns the South China Sea? The answer…none. Thus, it further escalates the South China Sea conflict.
The conflict, the claimants and their claims
With that much resources and significance that the South China Sea possess, many countries will want to acquire the area. But ofcourse, you cannot just claim a particular area without your justifications or arguments on why such territory belongs to you. Even though there is no world government, there are certain international agreements and laws that countries should abide. These agreements were made by the countries, themselves, due to the prevailing expectance of such conflicts or issues. The United Nations, an international organization with the largest number of member countries, is the leading arena where the countries can dialogue with each other regarding their concerns or issues.
The South China Sea has, undoubtedly, claimant countries. These are China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and our very own, the Philippines. The Countries did not differ much. China and Taiwan claims the entire South China Sea. The People’s Republic of China’s claim is based on the maps made during the Han Dynasty, during the 206 BC to AD 220. Indifferently, Taiwan has the same basis on their claim on South China Sea. Thus, they also claim all of the islands and its resources of the Area. Brunei’s and Indonesia’s claim to the South China Sea is limited to their Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ. But, Indonesia neither claims the Spratly Islands nor the Parcel while Brunei’s EEZ extends to the southern reefs of the Spratly Islands but it has not made any formal claims on the neither the areas of Spratly Islands nor any islands of the Parcels. Thailand and Cambodia, based on their EEZ, both claims the Gulf of Thailand. While the three other claimants, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines claim the Spratly Island, in portions or as a whole. Vietnam claims the entire Spratly Island. In addition, Vietnam also claims the entire Parcel Islands. On the other hand, Malaysia claims three islands in the Spratly’s and also claims the Gulf of Thailand. The latter three countries basis is also their EEZ and the Continental Shelf principle.
After we have known the claimants, their claims and the purposes of their claims, we can see that the all of these countries are geographically located in Asia and the Southeast Asian region. Moreover, most of the basis of the countries for their claim is their Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf principle except for China and Taiwan. Thus, the focal point of the conflict is due to the countries’ overlapping EEZ’s.
The Philippine’s claim, Constitutional and historical accounts
The Philippines claim, the most recent one, is based on its EEZ and the Continental Shelf theory, similar to most of the claimant countries basis. In the year 1956, Thomas Cloma, a Filipino national, claimed the Spratly Islands base on discovery. But in the year 1974, Thomas Cloma gave the full sovereignty of the Spratly Islands to the Philippine government. And on June 1978, under an Executive Decree, the Spratly Islands became an official part of the Philippine territory. The decision of the Philippine government for such territorial claim is due to its great proximity or distance to the country. To note, the islands are just a few hundred miles from Palawan. Thus, the acquisition of the territory is very important for the security of the Philippines and its nationals. If a different country will claim the Spratly, then it will be a difficult reality for the Philippine government to deal with. Not unless that other country, claiming the islands, has intensely significant and bonded relations with the Philippines. I can see that the Philippine President, who made the Presidential decree, has considered protecting not only the country’s national interest but also the security of its nationals.
The Spratly Islands is known to the Philippines as the Kalayaan Islands. It is also included in the official maps of the Philippines. Geographically, the Philippines, an archipelagic state, is composed of 7,107 islands and has a land area of 299,764 sq. kilometers. Moreover, the Philippine coastline sums up to 17,500 km. The claim of the Philippines is important also, not only due to security, but also to the country as a whole. If the Kalayaan Islands will not be considered as officially part of the Philippines, the number of islands in the country will be subtracted and the natural resources that will add up to the country will be subtracted as well. Thus, the geographical structure of the Philippine, though not a major one, will have changes. Changes are normal but we should change not for the worst but for the better. The decisions that the President of the country makes indicates his principles and thrusts for the country and its nationals. Moreover, decision making when it comes difficult issues such as territorial claims must be dealt accordingly and properly.
The Philippine Constitution of 1987, the fundamental law of the land, has stipulated in one of its articles the underlining references and ideals on the Philippine Territory. To reiterate, the Philippine Constitution of 1987, Article 1 titled National Territory, says, “The national territory comprises the Philippine Archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.” This section of the Philippine constitution has no specific notes or guidelines on the territorial limits and boundaries of the country. But it cited that not only the islands are part of our territory but also the seas and the aerial portions. Moreover, seeing that the constitution has a specific article on its national territory, we can say that there is a certain percentage of regard that the Philippine government has on our territory.
Significance to the Philippines
The Philippine government should have a Foreign Policy on the South China Sea conflict for three concrete reasons.
First, the government should create a policy to enable a strengthened Philippine claim on the South China Sea policy. As compared to other countries it has been said that the Philippines had the weakest claim on the Spratly Islands due to military capabilities as well as the government’s policy and stand on the issue. Moreover, the different administrations who served the Philippines had different stands on the conflict. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was really determined on claiming the island’s sovereignty and he really had a strong stand and justification on the issue. During his administration, the Joint Oceanographic Marine Scientific Research Expedition or JOMSRE was created. It was the third of its kind between the Philippines and Vietnam. JOMSRE I occurred in May 1996 and JOMSRE II occurred in May 2000, whose creation resulted from the meeting of Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos and Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh in 1994. It formalized the initiatives covered in the Informal Workshop on Managing Potential Conflicts in the South China (MPC-SCS) and Part Nine of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which emphasized cooperation among the coastal states bordering on semi-enclosed and territorial seas. Through the policy that the government will make we can really say that they will take the issue seriously and thus, we can achieve better results. An example would be the Chinese government; there is a specific bureau or commission that is entirely focused on the South China Sea Conflict. Therefore, we can say that the Chinese government is dealing the issue strongly and seriously. The government needs and should make policy not just for the sake of claiming the islands but more importantly to ensure that the country and its nationals are safe.
Second, there are various natural resources, such as oil and petroleum reserves, that the country might gain in acquiring the full sovereignty of the islands. Moreover, the island is also a significant maritime route. It is essential in the flow of goods and services, not only in Asia, but in the entire world. It has been reported that there are major oil spills that occurred in the Area. Exacerbating the situation, cases of human and drug trafficking, smuggling of goods, presence of pirates, military-geared activities have also been reported. There was once a nuclear ship of the United States staying in the area. Immediately, the different countries around the South China Sea complained and said that the ship should leave, as soon as possible because it is harmful to the health of the citizens and at the same time, a security concern in Southeast Asia. Due to the great amount of resources that could be outsourced in the islands within the South China Sea, it is no doubt that many countries would want to acquire these territories. In an interview with Aldrich Lim, an AB Photography student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and a resident of Palawan, he said that the Spratly Islands are near to Palawan and if military activities will be conducted there. The government must immediately react. In addition, Lim also stressed that throughout the country, Palawan is the area wherein large amounts of oil deposits could be found. Thus, Shell Company had their drilling site in Palawan. “If there is a great source of oil reserves in Palawan then I can assume that oil in your place is cheaper as compared to other parts of the country, most especially, in Metro Manila?” I asked. Lim answered that the natural gas sold in their place has higher tax as compared to imported oil. Considering that imported oil has added tariffs and Value Added Tax (VAT) already, the natural gas is still higher in value. I was astonished with his answer. The government does not want that the provincial boundary be extended because the income that will be generated from there will be directed to the province and not to the national government, as what it is currently happening. The income generated is not given to the province of Palawan but to the office of the President, which was that of PGMA’s. We can see the great importance if resources and the acquisition of these is a great aid to the country and also to the citizens.
And third, the government should create a policy on the South China Sea conflict because the national security of the Philippines and its citizens is at stake. National security is a major concern. With the strategic geographical position of the Spratly Islands to the Philippines, specifically the islands of Palawan, which is just a few hundred nautical miles away, there is a higher concern on security. I have observed that as the administration of the government changes, from one President to another, the policy or stand of the country regarding the issue also changes. Change is normal because they have different priorities and advocacies but should the foreign policy on protecting our national territory also constantly change? An unstable government is not a good picture to unveil to the international community and most of all to your fellow claimants in the country. We have discussed the eight foreign policy realities of the President Gloria Macapagal (PGMA) administration and we have discussed that the three most important foreign policies that the government should always pursue are economic progress, protection of nationals and political stability, which includes the integrity of our natural territory. During the administration of Fidel Ramos, I would like to reiterate, that he was really determined to claim the Spratly Islands. In the year 1995, former President Fidel V. Ramos declared that the Spratly Islands became a litmus test of China’s great power ambitions. While the Philippine President following him, Joseph Erap Ejercito Estrada identified the issue as a great detriment to the Southeast Asian Region’s security. And recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did not much give attention to the conflict. As discussed in class, there was even a time when PGMA almost sold the country’s islands. If it was pushed through, there was a great possibility of extensive protests of the people or even a people power due to such an act. Where can you see that a President allows selling of portion of her country’s islands for money or other reasons? The answer: Only in the Philippines. Here we can clearly see, evaluate and analyze the varying stand and policies of the past Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines. The greater question now is, how will President Noynoy Aquino handle the conflict. Will he ensure that the islands’ full sovereignty will be given to the Philippines? Or will he also sell the islands in exchange for some amount of money or multi-million dollar deal? The answer: We will now soon. It is one of the primary duties of the government to ensure that the country and its citizens are protected. It is one of the rights of the Filipino citizens. Thus, it must be given by the State.
Conclusion
With the above-mentioned statements, facts and notes, I believe that the government should make a concrete and long-term foreign policy on the South China Sea. The government must serve the Filipinos. They must ensure that the Filipinos and the entire archipelago are secure. National security, in any part of the world, is an important concern. We must understand that in international relations, there is no world government. Thus, there is no over arching authority above the states. Yet, there is still global governance.
Sources:
Ian Storey, “Creeping Assertiveness: China, the Philippines and the South China Sea Dispute,” Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 21, no. 1 (April 1999), pp. 95-118.
Ralf Emmers, “Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea: Strategic and Diplomatic Status Quo,” Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies Working Paper No. 87, September 2005
Federico Bordonaro, “The Importance of the Spratly Islands.”
The South China Sea, considered as one of the largest sea bodies after the five oceans around the world, has an important role in the Southeast Asian region, specifically on the region’s security. In addition, the South China Sea also possesses a significant strategic position next to major commercial Sea Lines of Communications and the area’s abundance in hydrocarbons. There is a dire search, of countries, for fossil energy resources. And the Spratly Islands can provide these natural gas and oil resources. With the area’s importance and great role in world affairs and state relations, a country’s possession of such area is, indeed, a great relief and help. But, who owns the South China Sea? The answer…none. Thus, it further escalates the South China Sea conflict.
The conflict, the claimants and their claims
With that much resources and significance that the South China Sea possess, many countries will want to acquire the area. But ofcourse, you cannot just claim a particular area without your justifications or arguments on why such territory belongs to you. Even though there is no world government, there are certain international agreements and laws that countries should abide. These agreements were made by the countries, themselves, due to the prevailing expectance of such conflicts or issues. The United Nations, an international organization with the largest number of member countries, is the leading arena where the countries can dialogue with each other regarding their concerns or issues.
The South China Sea has, undoubtedly, claimant countries. These are China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and our very own, the Philippines. The Countries did not differ much. China and Taiwan claims the entire South China Sea. The People’s Republic of China’s claim is based on the maps made during the Han Dynasty, during the 206 BC to AD 220. Indifferently, Taiwan has the same basis on their claim on South China Sea. Thus, they also claim all of the islands and its resources of the Area. Brunei’s and Indonesia’s claim to the South China Sea is limited to their Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ. But, Indonesia neither claims the Spratly Islands nor the Parcel while Brunei’s EEZ extends to the southern reefs of the Spratly Islands but it has not made any formal claims on the neither the areas of Spratly Islands nor any islands of the Parcels. Thailand and Cambodia, based on their EEZ, both claims the Gulf of Thailand. While the three other claimants, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines claim the Spratly Island, in portions or as a whole. Vietnam claims the entire Spratly Island. In addition, Vietnam also claims the entire Parcel Islands. On the other hand, Malaysia claims three islands in the Spratly’s and also claims the Gulf of Thailand. The latter three countries basis is also their EEZ and the Continental Shelf principle.
After we have known the claimants, their claims and the purposes of their claims, we can see that the all of these countries are geographically located in Asia and the Southeast Asian region. Moreover, most of the basis of the countries for their claim is their Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf principle except for China and Taiwan. Thus, the focal point of the conflict is due to the countries’ overlapping EEZ’s.
The Philippine’s claim, Constitutional and historical accounts
The Philippines claim, the most recent one, is based on its EEZ and the Continental Shelf theory, similar to most of the claimant countries basis. In the year 1956, Thomas Cloma, a Filipino national, claimed the Spratly Islands base on discovery. But in the year 1974, Thomas Cloma gave the full sovereignty of the Spratly Islands to the Philippine government. And on June 1978, under an Executive Decree, the Spratly Islands became an official part of the Philippine territory. The decision of the Philippine government for such territorial claim is due to its great proximity or distance to the country. To note, the islands are just a few hundred miles from Palawan. Thus, the acquisition of the territory is very important for the security of the Philippines and its nationals. If a different country will claim the Spratly, then it will be a difficult reality for the Philippine government to deal with. Not unless that other country, claiming the islands, has intensely significant and bonded relations with the Philippines. I can see that the Philippine President, who made the Presidential decree, has considered protecting not only the country’s national interest but also the security of its nationals.
The Spratly Islands is known to the Philippines as the Kalayaan Islands. It is also included in the official maps of the Philippines. Geographically, the Philippines, an archipelagic state, is composed of 7,107 islands and has a land area of 299,764 sq. kilometers. Moreover, the Philippine coastline sums up to 17,500 km. The claim of the Philippines is important also, not only due to security, but also to the country as a whole. If the Kalayaan Islands will not be considered as officially part of the Philippines, the number of islands in the country will be subtracted and the natural resources that will add up to the country will be subtracted as well. Thus, the geographical structure of the Philippine, though not a major one, will have changes. Changes are normal but we should change not for the worst but for the better. The decisions that the President of the country makes indicates his principles and thrusts for the country and its nationals. Moreover, decision making when it comes difficult issues such as territorial claims must be dealt accordingly and properly.
The Philippine Constitution of 1987, the fundamental law of the land, has stipulated in one of its articles the underlining references and ideals on the Philippine Territory. To reiterate, the Philippine Constitution of 1987, Article 1 titled National Territory, says, “The national territory comprises the Philippine Archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.” This section of the Philippine constitution has no specific notes or guidelines on the territorial limits and boundaries of the country. But it cited that not only the islands are part of our territory but also the seas and the aerial portions. Moreover, seeing that the constitution has a specific article on its national territory, we can say that there is a certain percentage of regard that the Philippine government has on our territory.
Significance to the Philippines
The Philippine government should have a Foreign Policy on the South China Sea conflict for three concrete reasons.
First, the government should create a policy to enable a strengthened Philippine claim on the South China Sea policy. As compared to other countries it has been said that the Philippines had the weakest claim on the Spratly Islands due to military capabilities as well as the government’s policy and stand on the issue. Moreover, the different administrations who served the Philippines had different stands on the conflict. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was really determined on claiming the island’s sovereignty and he really had a strong stand and justification on the issue. During his administration, the Joint Oceanographic Marine Scientific Research Expedition or JOMSRE was created. It was the third of its kind between the Philippines and Vietnam. JOMSRE I occurred in May 1996 and JOMSRE II occurred in May 2000, whose creation resulted from the meeting of Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos and Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh in 1994. It formalized the initiatives covered in the Informal Workshop on Managing Potential Conflicts in the South China (MPC-SCS) and Part Nine of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which emphasized cooperation among the coastal states bordering on semi-enclosed and territorial seas. Through the policy that the government will make we can really say that they will take the issue seriously and thus, we can achieve better results. An example would be the Chinese government; there is a specific bureau or commission that is entirely focused on the South China Sea Conflict. Therefore, we can say that the Chinese government is dealing the issue strongly and seriously. The government needs and should make policy not just for the sake of claiming the islands but more importantly to ensure that the country and its nationals are safe.
Second, there are various natural resources, such as oil and petroleum reserves, that the country might gain in acquiring the full sovereignty of the islands. Moreover, the island is also a significant maritime route. It is essential in the flow of goods and services, not only in Asia, but in the entire world. It has been reported that there are major oil spills that occurred in the Area. Exacerbating the situation, cases of human and drug trafficking, smuggling of goods, presence of pirates, military-geared activities have also been reported. There was once a nuclear ship of the United States staying in the area. Immediately, the different countries around the South China Sea complained and said that the ship should leave, as soon as possible because it is harmful to the health of the citizens and at the same time, a security concern in Southeast Asia. Due to the great amount of resources that could be outsourced in the islands within the South China Sea, it is no doubt that many countries would want to acquire these territories. In an interview with Aldrich Lim, an AB Photography student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and a resident of Palawan, he said that the Spratly Islands are near to Palawan and if military activities will be conducted there. The government must immediately react. In addition, Lim also stressed that throughout the country, Palawan is the area wherein large amounts of oil deposits could be found. Thus, Shell Company had their drilling site in Palawan. “If there is a great source of oil reserves in Palawan then I can assume that oil in your place is cheaper as compared to other parts of the country, most especially, in Metro Manila?” I asked. Lim answered that the natural gas sold in their place has higher tax as compared to imported oil. Considering that imported oil has added tariffs and Value Added Tax (VAT) already, the natural gas is still higher in value. I was astonished with his answer. The government does not want that the provincial boundary be extended because the income that will be generated from there will be directed to the province and not to the national government, as what it is currently happening. The income generated is not given to the province of Palawan but to the office of the President, which was that of PGMA’s. We can see the great importance if resources and the acquisition of these is a great aid to the country and also to the citizens.
And third, the government should create a policy on the South China Sea conflict because the national security of the Philippines and its citizens is at stake. National security is a major concern. With the strategic geographical position of the Spratly Islands to the Philippines, specifically the islands of Palawan, which is just a few hundred nautical miles away, there is a higher concern on security. I have observed that as the administration of the government changes, from one President to another, the policy or stand of the country regarding the issue also changes. Change is normal because they have different priorities and advocacies but should the foreign policy on protecting our national territory also constantly change? An unstable government is not a good picture to unveil to the international community and most of all to your fellow claimants in the country. We have discussed the eight foreign policy realities of the President Gloria Macapagal (PGMA) administration and we have discussed that the three most important foreign policies that the government should always pursue are economic progress, protection of nationals and political stability, which includes the integrity of our natural territory. During the administration of Fidel Ramos, I would like to reiterate, that he was really determined to claim the Spratly Islands. In the year 1995, former President Fidel V. Ramos declared that the Spratly Islands became a litmus test of China’s great power ambitions. While the Philippine President following him, Joseph Erap Ejercito Estrada identified the issue as a great detriment to the Southeast Asian Region’s security. And recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did not much give attention to the conflict. As discussed in class, there was even a time when PGMA almost sold the country’s islands. If it was pushed through, there was a great possibility of extensive protests of the people or even a people power due to such an act. Where can you see that a President allows selling of portion of her country’s islands for money or other reasons? The answer: Only in the Philippines. Here we can clearly see, evaluate and analyze the varying stand and policies of the past Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines. The greater question now is, how will President Noynoy Aquino handle the conflict. Will he ensure that the islands’ full sovereignty will be given to the Philippines? Or will he also sell the islands in exchange for some amount of money or multi-million dollar deal? The answer: We will now soon. It is one of the primary duties of the government to ensure that the country and its citizens are protected. It is one of the rights of the Filipino citizens. Thus, it must be given by the State.
Conclusion
With the above-mentioned statements, facts and notes, I believe that the government should make a concrete and long-term foreign policy on the South China Sea. The government must serve the Filipinos. They must ensure that the Filipinos and the entire archipelago are secure. National security, in any part of the world, is an important concern. We must understand that in international relations, there is no world government. Thus, there is no over arching authority above the states. Yet, there is still global governance.
Sources:
Ian Storey, “Creeping Assertiveness: China, the Philippines and the South China Sea Dispute,” Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 21, no. 1 (April 1999), pp. 95-118.
Ralf Emmers, “Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea: Strategic and Diplomatic Status Quo,” Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies Working Paper No. 87, September 2005
Federico Bordonaro, “The Importance of the Spratly Islands.”
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Phifocy Activity:June 5, 2010
1. What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy? What other institutions help or assist the DFA in realising foreign policies?
MANDATE OF THE DFA:
1. Preservation and enhancement of national security
2. Promotion and attainment of economic security
3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas
ASSISTING INSTITUTIONS:
1. Department of National Defense (DND)
· Armed Forces of the
(Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Marine Corps)
· Office of Civil Defense
· National Disaster Coordinating Council
2. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
3. National Economic Development Agency (NEDA)
4. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
5. Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO)
6. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
7. Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA)
8.
2. Enumerate the Eight Foreign Policy Realities of former President Arroyo. For each reality find 2-3 related news articles and then make an analysis as to what extent did the Arroyo administration work to implement the said realities.
EIGHT FOREIGN POLICY REALITIES OF FORMER PRESIDENT ARROYO
1. China, Japan and the United States and their relationship will be a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia;
News Clippings:
a. China-ASEAN Free Trade Area sets example for mutual beneficial, win-win regional co-op
Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/01/content_12741761.htm
b. US ponders
Source: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LC10Ae01.html
2. Philippine foreign policy decisions have to be made in the context of ASEAN;
News Clippings:
a. ASEAN human rights body fails kin of massacred journalists
Source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/29/10/asean-human-rights-body-fails-kin-massacred-journalists
b. Manila foreign policy set in context of Asean
Source:http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25951:manila-foreign-policy-set-in-context-of-asean&catid=23:topnews&Itemid=58
3. The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the Philippines;
News Clippings:
a.
Source: http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=60775
b. Malacaňang cool on Muslim protests over caricature
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/303/malaca328ang-cool-on-muslim-protests-over-caricature
4. The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and inter-regional organizations to promote common interests;
News Clippings:
a. RP calls on Asean members to build on common interest on climate issue
Source:http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=33%3Aeconomy&id=23986%3Arp-calls-on-asean-members-to-build-on-common-interest-on-climate-issue&Itemid=60
b. Asean agrees to further promote integration of traditional medicine
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=538589&publicationSubCategoryId=75
5. As an archipelagic state, the defense of the nation's sovereignty and the protection of its environment and natural resources can be carried out only to the extent that it asserts its rights over the maritime territory and gets others to respect those rights;
News Clippings:
a. Tighter maritime security after Zambo kidnapping—
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100405-262499/Tighter-maritime-security-after-Zambo-kidnappingPNP-chief
b.
Source: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/philippines-seen-and-heard/
6. The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments;
News Clippings:
a.
Source: http://www.propertywire.com/news/asia/philippines-offers-good-investment-opportunities-20080115123.html
b. Aquino says
Source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/06/30/10/aquino-says-philippines-will-be-more-investor-friendly
7. The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism
News Clippings:
a. Philippine tourism explores new frontiers
Source: http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?sec=2&id=5422
b. Philippine Tourism: Sustaining Growth in a challenging environment
Source: http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/blog/2009/08/02/philippine-tourism-sustaining-growth-in-a-challenging-environment/
8. Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in the country's economic and social stability.
News Clippings:
a. OFW remittances - an economic booster
Source: http://www.philippinestoday.net/index.php?module=article&view=1180
b. OFWs help attain 7% growth
Source:http://globalnation.inquirer.net/columns/columns/view/20100706-279505/OFWs-help-attain-7-growth
ANALYSIS OF REALITIES’ IMPLEMENTATION
The PGMA administration failed to implement almost all of its foreign policy realities. First, the conflict in Mindanao is still highly prevalent. Instead of helping ease the conflict, the government even heightened the issue through the very controversial memorandum of agreement. Second, the great question regarding the maritime security and sovereignty of the Philippines. In addition, this would include the preservation and protection of the environment. There were various maritime disasters that took place in her administration and this includes a number of ships, who allegedly are not following the proper standards and protocols in sea travel. Moreover, the natural resources of the country are greatly and massively killed. This is prevalent most especially in Visayas and in Mindanao. Other countries, such as the United States, are conducting various activities such as illegal mining, which exploit the environment, extensively. And third, the benefit of international tourism. How will the Philippines be able to advance its tourism industry when first of all, the budget is not enough for the conduct of all activities and promotion of the country. On the other side of the sphere, the PGMA government was also able to create some programs to achieve some of the realities. The OFW’s are well recognized, the country handles its relations to multilateral and inters regional organizations with great extent and the country had received many investments. According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) International, the Philippines had the most number of investments received as compared to other ASEAN states.
3. With the assistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the President that drafts state policies. What do you think will be included in President Noynoy Aquino’s foreign policy list now that he has assumed the Presidency? Identify five issues and find news clippings (at least one for each issue) to support your answer.
I think that President Noynoy Aquino will still include three of PGMA’s Foreign Policy realities which are: First, the country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments; Second, the country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments and Third, the Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism.
This is due to the fact that among his major points in his inaugural speech were: First, to improve infrastructure, tourism and trade projects; Second, to clean up customs, strengthen tax collection; Third, he promised a predictable & consistent place for investment; and Fourth, he said that a clean and honest governance will start with him and his Cabinet. This would show us his main objectives for the Philippine Foreign Policy. Moreover, he also wants to ensure that the officials of the DFA will be able to execute clean and honest governance.
My top five issues includes: First, the refusal of a number of PGMA’s appointees to return back to the
News Clippings:
1. Aquino retains Romulo at DFA (By Gil. C. Cabacungan Jr. – Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Source:http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20100627-277856/Aquino-retains-Romulo-at-DFA
2. GMA’s political ambassadors trickling back home (By Michaela P.
Source: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100619hed6.html
3. Miriam hopes Noynoy will review Visiting Forces Agreement (By Aurea Calica - The Philippine Star)
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=585040&publicationSubCategoryId=63
4. OFWs to Aquino: Create more local jobs (By Edith Regalado - philstar.com)
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=580110&publicationSubCategoryId=200
5. Environmental groups to Aquino: Be green (By Ronalyn Olea – Philippine Online Chronicles)
Source:http://www.thepoc.net/thepoc-features/politi-ko/politiko-features/7812-first-100-days-noynoy-aquino.html
4. How significant is the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Philippine foreign policy?
The ASEAN is very significant in Philippine Foreign Policy. First, the Philippines is one of the founding member countries of the ASEAN. Thus, we should be the first country to coordinate our foreign policies in with the principles of ASEAN. The existing policies and agreements in the ASEAN must be noted in the formulation and implementation of the Philippine Foreign Policy. Second, the Philippines, through the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), is able to dialogue with the various partners of ASEAN from all over the globe. They discuss various topics that are very important to the security and development of the Southeast Asian Region. Through the ARF, the Philippines is able to extend and strengthen relations with other countries, a very important element in the achievement of the Philippine Foreign Policy. And third, the Philippines is one of the key and driving forces of ASEAN together with Indonesia. Last year, the DTI International reported that the Philippines had the most number of investments received as compared to other ASEAN countries. The ASEAN is very significant to the Philippines Foreign Policy, vice-versa.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
One World.Many Theories
After the heavy yet fruitful and interesting class discussion that we had tonight, my understanding of the different theories of international relations was deepened but at the same time it was tested. I learned various things in the lecture but I will present the top five concerns and learnings that really caught my attention. First is regarding the word discourse. Before I thought that it can only applied to group discussions or sharings but now I learned that it can be associated with other ideas such as human rights discourse, which includes the human rights activities and culture. Second is the Bojinka Plot. I was deeply astonished about it. I never heard of it before. It was the first time and it was unbelievable. Third is regarding the passage of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid and workers such as the Red Cross are untouchables during the presence of war. Fourth, I knew about the South China Sea conflict in my past classes yet I didn’t realize that China really has the greatest claim as compared to other countries, including the Philippines. I am saddened by this reality. I still believe that the territory should belong to the Philippines. If only could we. And the fifth and last, which is related to the fourth learning that I had, is the policy of the Philippine government towards its territorial integrity. It was a horrible act. It was inhumane and unfair for PGMA to sign the MOA-AD and give away about 635 barangays away, just like that. I just hope that the next President of the Republic will work to protect our territory.
My Expectations
I have three expectations for the PHIFOCY course. First, I want to understand the why’s rather than the what’s of the Philippine’s Foreign Policy. I hope that after successfully completing the course, I will be able to analyze the countries policy and stand on certain events within and out of the country. Moreover, I also expect that I will be able to analyze the standards or basis of the Foreign Policies of other States. Second, I expect that I will be able to enhance and strengthen my skills in crafting Policy Papers. I am really glad that we will be having a portfolio. I also believe that in can really help me in the future. And third, I expect that I will have various diverse learnings in the class that I can relate and use to with my former, current and upcoming subjects in this degree. I expect the class will be enlightening, meaning and most of all fun.
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