The Invasion of the Philippines

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Recently, the Office of the Philippine president had voiced out  the “De Facto” occupation of ‘Bajo de Masinloc” and the “Ayungin Reef” by the Chinese. These are all part of Philippine territory and it’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The pronouncement seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The mainstream media, geo-political analyst and the so called constitutionalist has not lifted a finger or at least a tongue to examine the meaning and implication/ s of that pronouncement viz a viz the constitution.

Intrusion is synonymous with invasion and the latter is a prelude to occupation. Since the government admitted that there is a “de-facto” occupation of a Philippine territory, it also  unwittingly admitted that it had been remiss in its sworn duty to protect the Philippine territory as mandated by the Philippine constitution. The Chinese in-fact had not only invaded a Philippine territory with armed para-military ships but actually occupies and exercises sovereignty over them. Extraction of marine life continues; Gas and Oil Exploration and surveys are said to be in progress right under the Philippine throat. Filipino fisherman who traditionally ventured into these areas are barred by armed Chinese navy disguised as civilian surveillance ships. The situation forced them to literally abandon fishing as a livelihood which is tantamount to surrendering their fishing grounds to the Chinese. Figuratively speaking, the Philippine’s is bound to feed 1.7 billion Chinese and about to starve 90 million Filipinos.

The Philippine constitution vested emergency powers to the President in case of invasion or rebellion. There is now and in fact not only invasion, but outright occupation. It is up to the wisdom of the President to exercise such emergency powers which of course should befit the situation. The filing of a case for arbitration with the UN is not enough and the “Do Nothing” policy is obviously dictated and more of a service to  the  alien interest than that of the Philippines to say the least.  A parallel, deliberate and much more concrete action is needed to quell the invasion, which in time would surely creep towards the Philippine land mass and inner waters. Mobilization of funds and resources for quick military build up should be expedited. Lease of large ticket military equipment should be given serious weight and consideration. The citizens power to contribute to the national defense endeavor should not be underestimated but instead should be harnessed. All of this should be address through the president's emergency powers. The National Security Council must  regularly convene to formulate strategy and courses of action. Civil society groups should become involved and the people must be informed up to the grassroots.

 Now is the appropriate time to call on and invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) to test its potency and validity. If the MDT brings the Philippines to the disadvantage, then there is no point in serving the American interest further since there is no more reciprocity. At the very least, if the MDT is not valid  relative to the present circumstances, and the parties are willing, it must be revise as soon as possible to point of relevance and mutual benefit. The MDT revision will clarify the vague issues and should encompass the present situation at west Philippine sea. It might even throw China off-balance to backing-off thus avoiding hostilities. Otherwise, we will end up serving and feeding two superpowers at one time... and who would need this? ... we cannot even serve and feed most of our own people.


Manila, Philippines.

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