PerryScope
by Perry Diaz
Filipino fishermen wave from a fishing boat bound to fish near Scarborough Shoal in Masinloc, Zambales (Credit: REUTERS/Erik de Castro)
After more than two months of standoff between the Philippines and China in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III ordered the pullout of two Philippine ships from the area because of Typhoon “Butchoy.” This was after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines and China had agreed last June 5 to pull out their ships from the area.
But according to the latest DFA update, China claimed that it never committed to pull out its vessels from Scarborough Shoal, which China refers to as Huangyan Island. In response, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “Chinese side will continue to maintain administration and vigilance over Huangyan Island waters.”
The Chinese spokesman warned the Philippines to refrain from “giving further statements and behaviors that may further strain relations.” Then he added, “We wonder where the so-called commitment the Philippine side mentioned on ‘China’s withdrawal of vessels’ came from. We hope the Philippine side can restrain their words and behaviors, and do more things conducive to the development of the bilateral relations.”
Karburo War
A member of China’s ocean expedition team raises the Chinese flag while another holds a survey rod on Scarborough Shoal (Source: Chinese Embassy website)
It seems that China is winning the “Karburo War,” a war of words for control and possession of the Scarborough Shoal or “Karburo,” as the fishermen of Zambales call it. With Philippine fishing boats prevented from entering the lagoon, China has now exclusive control and de factopossession of the Scarborough Shoal. And the Philippines was helplessly immobile to deter the intrusion with just a single naval vessel at her disposal, a disarmed U.S. Coast Guard cutter purchased by the Philippine government several months ago. Indeed, China – without firing a single shot – had successfully bullied the Philippines into abandoning her territory.
But what else could the Philippines do under these circumstances? Without warships and warplanes, the Philippines is at the mercy of China who is claiming the entire South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), East China Sea, and Yellow Sea as an extension of her continental shelf. If nobody challenges her wholesale claim to these three contiguous bodies of water that extend from the southern tip of Japan all the way to Indonesia, China could choke the shipping lanes in the region; thus, preventing vessels from other countries from passing through her “territorial waters.”
If and when China would make that bold step depends largely on how the United States would react to any attempt the block the shipping lanes in the South China Sea-East China Sea-Yellow Sea corridor. However, the U.S. had warned China to keep the shipping lanes open to international navigation.
Ghost from the past
How did the Philippines get herself into this situation? What happened in the past two months was the culmination of a series of events that began two decades ago. On September 16, 1991, the Philippine Senate voted to pass a motion rejecting a new treaty with the United States that would allow her to continue the operation of military bases in the country.
But the actual closure did not occur until a year later. The administration of President Cory Aquino – P-Noy’s mother – tried to salvage the bases but the two sides were unable to work out their differences. On November 24, 1992, the last American forces left.
In spite of the departure of U.S. military forces, the 1952 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) remained in force. But many wondered, “How could the U.S. come to the defense of the Philippines without any permanent military bases to operate from?”
In1998, then President Fidel V. Ramos successfully negotiated the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the U.S. The VFA provides for future military cooperation between the two allies including joint military exercises. But critics said that the VFA would be used to get around the 1987 Constitution’s prohibition of foreign military bases on Philippine soil.
Indeed, the ghost from the past continues to haunt U.S.-Philippine relations. The leftists are quick to react whenever they see a shadow of American military presence. Last May 14, 2012, when a U.S. nuclear submarine – the USS North Carolina – docked at the Subic Bay Freeport to replenish her supplies, members of the Kilusang para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (LPD) staged a lighting protest at the gate of the former American naval base, which was converted to civilian use after its closure.
The protesters accused the U.S. of sending the submarine to provoke China whose gunboats and fishing vessels are in Scarborough Shoal, just 125 miles away. They said that they don’t need the U.S. to defend our territory. Were they joking? How could they defend our territory without warplanes and warships? War is not a joking matter.
MDT with U.S.
And this brings to the fore the nagging question: Would the United States come to the defense of the Philippines if China attacked the country?
During P-Noy’s recent visit to the United States at the invitation of President Barack Obama, there was no explicit commitment from Obama that the U.S. would honor the Mutual Defense Treaty if China attacked us. And the reason is that Obama’s “evolving” foreign policy is to avoid committing American military forces in foreign wars. However, it would be different if American military forces were already stationed – permanently – in a country where the U.S. has a defense treaty like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. If China attacked any of these countries, the American forces stationed in that country would be drawn into the conflict. In essence, the presence of American military forces is an effective deterrent against invasion.
Such was the case with the Philippines for almost 100 years. After World War II, no foreign country dared to attack the Philippines even during the Chinese communist adventurism in the 1950s through 1970s. With the presence of American military bases in t the Philippines, our borders were safe from foreign invasion. Not anymore.
MDT with China
Recently, it was reported in the news that Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson had cautioned the Department of National Defense against allowing American troops to use their former naval and air facilities in Subic, Zambales and Clark Field in Pampanga. He pointed out that under the VFA, there is a clear provision that U.S. forces cannot have permanent or semi-permanent basing privileges in the country.
However, Lacson said that he has an “open mind” on the possibility of having a Mutual Defense Treaty with China. “Why not?” he said. “Why don’t we take the initiative to forge a mutual defense treaty with China? After all, they are our neighbors in Asia.” He then explained, “It would be better if the Philippines enjoys the support of the world’s top superpowers – the U.S. and China. It would be beneficial to us to have two big brothers on our side instead of one. This is to avoid any animosity and controversies. If allowed, I think China will welcome the idea to have MDT with them.”
However, the problem would be if these two “big brothers” attacked each other. Who would the Philippines defend – the U.S. or China? Or if North Korea attacked the Philippines, would China attack North Korea?
But Lacson brought up his outlandish idea before the “Karburo War” erupted. Now, that China reneged on her commitment to withdraw from the Scarborough Shoal, can Lacson trust China that she would honor a Mutual Defense Treaty if it was not to her advantage?
Please don’t be naïve, Mr. Senator.
Another one of your outstanding and informative article, Perry, and your points are well taken. For Mr Lacson to suggest taking the initiative to forge a mutual defense treaty with China is the ultimate of idiotic and stupid thinking. I ask you, Perry, is he a communist or what? Any democratic Filipino would not even think of having such treaty with China. We have been friends with the Americans for over a hundred years, and having a defense agreement with them was certainly an assurance that they will defend us come thick or thin. You are correct in asking that should there be a conflict with the U.S. and China where would be our loyalty. The pseudo nationalist in our country who succeeded in ousting the American bases from the Philippines, is I truly and honestly feel, the biggest blunder those politicians ever made. If the Chinese government should decide to invade the Philippines, what can we do? We are so helpless. Mayroon sana tayong yaya na nagaalaga saating kapakanan, ano ang ginawa natin, sinipa natin yong ating yaya. Patay kang bata ka. Keep up the good work, Perry, I for one depend on your heavily for up 5o date news from Manila Bay. Cheers.
Hi Amando,
I tagged Sen. Lacson. I hope he reads this article.
Perry
The politically motivated stupid protesters said ” They don’t need the the U.S. to defend our territory ” This are all echos from the pony nationalistic voices of the senators who pass the motion to reject a treaty to allow U. S. to operate in any military bases in the Philippines. This BS started by the hypocrites nationalistic dirty dozen senators who initially kick out the American Armed Forces.
Mr. Perry Diaz I agree what you said about Senator Ping Lacson. He is not only naive but a BIG STUPID MORON senator. I don’t see any logic at all why they kick out Uncle Sam and lost a lot the jobs and revenues and thousands of Pinoys ( OFO ) were force to leave the country to survive. Because of Karburo War erupted, in the minds of the pony nationalistic senators and others think that they need the Americans to defend our territory but they can not shallow their pride about why and how they kick the Americans. In their stupidity they are saying and advocating after the Chinease treat ” Yes you can come in our military bases but not permanently with out bringing any war planes , submarines, just bring a lot of DOLLARS and also tell your U.S. Embassy to open and no restrictions for Pinoys for tourist visa so they could come and become TNT with no fear of deportation. I am sorry to forecast and portrait this typical picture of mentality of pony nationalistic Pinoys and government corrupt officials that all started way back from Pres. Quezon era who started the idea of ” Hey folks lets have our own independence , we can now stand alone without the Americans helping us to run our government. ” Of course they can not be that corrupt and steal peoples money if uncle SAM is over their shoulder watching. When this TERRITORIAL DISPUTE erupted the first thing that came out from their minds is ” Lets asked the Americans to return and since they can not shallow their pride they added a condition not to return PERMANENTLY just only when needed and afraid when we feel we are invaded.
Corrupt Pinoys about time to change that old mentality of pony nationalistic attitude. Our country will never get improved and see a guiding light at the end of the tunnel. P Noy you are doing a good job to eradicate corruption. You can do better also if you can eradicate and IMPEACH just like what you did to Corona to those pony nationalistic senators who have bought their mansions in the US and pretending they hate the Americans. Folks that is the true big picture of our corrupt Pinoys politicians.
Hi Rex,
I think there’s a new “Dirty Dozen” in the Senate led by Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Joker Arroyo, and Bongbong Marcos. And there’s Ping Lacson and Gringo Honasan who also favors having an MDT with China. Why don’t they enlist in the Marines so they’d be the first to go to Karburo to retake the atoll.
Perry
PINAS CONGRESS MUST PASS A RESOLUTION TO PETITION THE U.S. GOVT TO MAKE PINAS A COMMONWEALTH. THEN AFTER 20 YEARS ELAPSED, TO MAKE PINAS THE 51ST STATE. THE MASSES ARE THE ONLY ONE CAPABLE OF MAKING THAT HAPPEN. THE RP CONGRESS AND THE ELITE FAMILIES WILL NOT WANT THAT COZ THAT WILL OBSCURE OR LESSEN THEIR GRIP TO POWER AND PRESTIGE. THE U.S. IS NOT PERFECT BUT IT’S BETTER THAN BEING UNDER BY CHINA. WAKE UP PINOYS BEFORE CHINA MAKE PINAS ONE OF HER PROVINCES.
my biggest doubt the USA will accept PNas to its fold—what a satiric assertion in a utopian thinking. Obama will surely not exacerbate the current US unemployment rate to include the PNas population given PNas massive unemployment stats and well-embedded culture of corruption.
PINOYS MUST OBTAIN 50 MILLION SIGNATURES IN MAKING PINAS A COMMONWEALTH OR A STATE OF THE U.S.A.
JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA TOOK ADVANTAGE OF BEING UNDER THE PROTECTORATE OF THE AMERICANS, THEY DID NOT SPEND SO MUCH IN THEIR DEFENSE, SO THEY DEVELOPED THEIR ECONOMY AND BECAME TIGERS IN ASIA. PINAS ON THE OTHER HAND, DID THE OPPOSITE AND BECAME THE SICK MAN OF ASIA. PINOYS CANNOT MANAGE BEING INDEPENDENT, THEY ARE TOO LAZY, AND CORRUPT TO BECOME AN INDEPENDENT AND WEALTHY NATION.
Hi AlbertO,
South Korea and Japan became economic tigers because they let Uncle Sam take care of defending them. In the case of Pinas, she’s like a pussycat. it meows a lot but doesn’t bite. Hehehe….
Perry
Perry, not just South Korea and Japan, Germany as well. These three countries suffered so much during WWII and the Korean war but with the help of the United States they all persevere and look at the results. Our country however decided they still want Uncle Sam’s help, just don’t ask them where the money is going to. I will never get tired of asking myself this question. I wonder what our country would be like today it we had stayed under the leadership of the US?
Hi Noah,
Yes, look at how fast Germany and Japan recovered economically under the protection of Uncle Sam. Our problem is that we have too much pride. Quezon was right when he prophesied: “I’d rather rule in Hell than serve in Heaven.” Like some people say about our people, “Mayabang wala namang ibubuga.”
Perry
Perry, if you really think about it, the only ones that are keeping our country above waters are the people who had to sacrifice so much of themselves to keep their families from hardship. These OFW’s in most cases had to endure so much abuse from some of the most despicable human beings on this planet, terrible working conditions, low pay and worst of all, physical abuse. These are just some of the things that all OFW’s complain about to our own government, and what do our our law makers do? Not a hell of a lot. Mabuti pa nga yong mga ordinaryong tao sa atin, mas marami pa silang nagagawang mabuti sa bansa.
Perry,
I wish the Filipino people and our government officials do not bite on China’s BULLY TACTICS.
How many times did China , claimed Taiwan,? their government said Taiwan was a province of China, and tried to claimed it, many times; did Taiwan believe it . NO
The latest BLUFF China had have is the Blind Chinese activist, several warning was given to U.S. was given, and ended up this activist and family are now in New York.
It is a fact it seems we have no match for them, however, remember Vietnam? They fought the strongest country of the World, plus allies of the U.S. including us, Who win?
Kaya sana huwag tayong “pa-du-duro sa mga ito”at alalahani natin ang huling salita sa ating pambansang awit “ng mamatay dahi sa iyo.”
Ben Pablo
(Sent by email)
PERRRY; Can we have our make sense comments on your Global Balita be publish in any of the Pinas commentary news papers in Manila so they can see why we in the U. S. think how stupid are our senators and congressional members?. I sure would like senator Mariam Santiago, Joker Arroyo, Bongbong Marcos, JP Enrile reads all our Global Balita comments on any ongoing hot issues in Pinas. I’m still wondering if that was really senator Lacson who answered my comments about his mansion in Blackhawck and I did not get any more reply from him after I wrote back his request for me to clarify my comments about his mansion. Perry do they really read our Global Balita comments ?
Hi Rex,
I think they or their staff read Global Balita. I have all the senators and most of the congressmen on my BALITA-USA listserv. I send it to P-Noy as well. Hi might not have the time to read it but his staff would.
Perry
Rex, these people are in the world of their own. Everything else outside their realm does not exist, and even if they are able to read some of the most sensible comments being expressed by Global Balita readers, they would probably just ignored it and rolled their eyes up and say to hell with these people. If we can put all of these so called law makers in a flour sifter, none will make it to the other side. I doubt very much that the future has something good in mind for our country. Our country’s past history is where I based my opinion from, so I could still be wrong.
Thanks Perry,
The Communist Party Government of China comment’s below are arrogant as they seem to think that the Philippines will ‘Kow tow’ to their wishes, demands and orders.
They seem to think that whatever land or sea they have traveled throughout the years, automatically become their possession.
I guess that they also think that their Chinese pirate Lee Ma Hong has something
to do with their claims in the Philippine Islands.
Sincerely,
Jaime L. Calero
(Sent by email)
Perry,
I wish the Filipino people and our government officials do not bite on China’s BULLY TACTICS.
How many times did China, claimed Taiwan? Their government said Taiwan was a province of China, and tried to claimed it, many times; did Taiwan believe it? NO.
The latest BLUFF China had have is the Blind Chinese activist, several warning was given to U.S. was given, and ended up this activist and family are now in New York.
It is a fact it seems we have no match for them, however, remember Vietnam? They fought the strongest country of the World, plus allies of the U.S. including us. Who won?
Kaya sana huwag tayong “pa-du-duro sa mga ito”at alalahani natin ang huling salita sa ating pambansang awit “ng mamatay dahi sa iyo.”
Ben Pablo
(Sent by email)
What will the Philippines do when China start bringing oil rigs? PHL will sacrifice a life there for a pity of other countries such as the U.S. If lives get lost from Chinese shooting and bombarbment……military action will start. Hell get lost….
Hi Roy,
That’s going to happen soon. They’re going to bring them to the Mischief Reef, which the occupied a few years ago after expelling the contingent of Philippine Marines. next would be the Recto Bank that they’re claiming but it is within the undisputed 200-mile EEZ.
Perry
Fellow Filipinos,
Let us be united to fight the enemy: China. First, boycott Chinese products – they are not made well, anyway. Second, provide military training for our people aged 15 to 45. Third, deport all illegal Chinese. Fourth, let’s be nice to our allies.
Juan, again let’s be realistic. Boycott all Chinese made products and what do you think happens to our country’s economy? If you really want the Chinese to quit bullying us, the Filipino people’s going to have to take it up with their elected officials. I can guarantee you that almost everyone of them are in the pocket books of all Chinese businessmen in our country, legal and illegal. Be nice to our allies? Well, we’ve had a rich and generous Uncle whose powerful forces were once stationed in our precious land and what did we do? We kicked them out and told them to never come back. Do you know of any incident in the past where the Chinese dared to venture in our territorial waters when the US Forces were here in our country?
TO HAVE PEACE WITH CHINA, JUST GIVE AWAY THOSE ISLETS CLAIMED BY CHINA. PHL. PEOPLE JUST HAVE A LOUD MOUTH, NO ACTION. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO A GIANT COUNTRY HOLDING A BIG STICK? JUST LET YOUR TAIL HANG TOO LOW.
Let’s face it. China is economically the 2nd largest in the world. It has 1.3 million officers and men in the army and navy. It has one aircraft carriers and numerous submarines. It has atomic weapons.
…Now it claims the whole South China sea as it’s territory from an old Chinese map dated 400 AD. This includes the coast of Luzon, coast of Palawan, coast of Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. It took Paracels islands from Vietnam by force. Do you think China would hesitate to take the Spratly’s or Scarborough shoals? Their navy could take on and demolish the Philippine navy any time!
Hi Pons,
The more reason we should allow the U.S. to reopen Clark and Subic.
Perry
PONS & Perry ….Now we should asked the dirty dozen senators Mariam Santiago, Joker Arrpoyo, Bongbong Marcos and etc. how can Pinas defend herself from Chinese invaders with out the help of the Americans that they have kick out from Subic and Clark bases. Maybe senators Mariam Santiago can scare all the chinese by her big mouth just like she scared Atty. Aquirre in the impeachment of Renato Corona.