The news cycle of the past two weeks has been filled. The presidential and national elections have had to share space with the situation of the farmers’ protest in Kidapawan, the release of the Panama Papers and the Senate hearings on money laundering.
But there is always a bigger picture that cannot be ignored. The annual joint military exercise with the US—Balikatan 2016—involving about 8,000 troops of both countries began this week. As a backdrop, both Indonesia and Vietnam seized Chinese fishing vessels, increasing regional tensions.
In 1991 then-President Cory Aquino literally marched on the street to try to convince the Philippine Senate not to end the Treaty of Friendship, Peace and Cooperation with the United States, which allowed US bases in the country. Now, the second Aquino administration, through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), has increased military cooperation between the two countries not seen since 1991.
Regardless of the differing opinions about the Edca, there is little likelihood that the incoming administration is going to backtrack on that agreement. From the American point of view, as outlined in an article for The Diplomat magazine—which focuses on Asia Pacific—“The Philippines has cemented itself as a key location for America’s military presence in the region.” US Defense Secretary Ash Carter will visit the Philippines late this month, a historic first.
The question then for the incoming president is, where does the Philippines go from here?
The candidates do not want to touch this issue. The infographic of the Liberal Party platform of Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II never mentions foreign relations. Senator Grace Poe’s “20-point agenda” says only “the West Philippine Sea is ours,” without any mention of US military relations. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign, “Platforms of Governance,” also lacks any mention of the Philippine-US alliance. Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said last year that “a stronger American military presence in the Philippines and greater interoperability between our respective armed forces dramatically increase our individual and collective defense capabilities.”
It is time to be told how the next government intends to exploit this new military relationship with the US. This is not two friends promising to “watch each other’s back.” It is a business arrangement.
What if China suddenly said, “Hey, Philippines, we will drop our territorial claims, but we want our bases on ‘your’ islands. In return, your fishermen are welcome, we will share the natural resources, and here is $100 billion for the next 10 years’ rent payment.”
Think that is a ridiculous and silly possibility? Remember, in 1898 the US bought the entire country of the Philippines from Spain for $20 million.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano
1 comment
The US has been nothing to the PHilippines but headache.