The Philippines owned Spratly islands

AFTER the stunning victory of the Philippines in its Spratly island claims at the UNCLOS court that decided that our country had the right to exploit its natural resources, the PROC, as expected, took several actions to maintain whatever alleged rights they had over the islands that were subject of the judgment in our favor.

Before the UNCLOS case, China’s first action seemed innocuous. They put up some nipa huts over some South China islets that belong to the Philippines. When our President Fidel V. Ramos asked a high-ranking Chinese official about it, he said that they were mere huts that were built as temporary shelters for Chinese fishermen.

Now there are more buildings on the five islands – concrete depots, barracks for soldiers, radar towers, wharves and piers. These permanent improvements can accommodate navy, special forces, and air force units. This week the media reported that China bought a squadron of SU35 Russian-made fighter bombers and base them on the islands.

Our legal experts have time and again said that our government must do something to assert our legal rights over the Spratlys that are occupied by the PROC. Our lack of action could be misinterpreted as a waiver of our rights over the islands that the UNCLOS court has already decided are our. To own, occupy, and exploit.

I do not believe that the incumbent officials appointed by PRRD especially in the Department of Foreign Affairs are incompetent. Why don’t they listen to SC Justice Antonio Carpio regarding the need to act soon in order to preserve our rights? Why don’t they invite him to give a lecture/briefing especially for the DFA higher ranking officials? What about the Department of Justice? If need be, the Cabinet of the President?

I am sure that there are many other ideas that can be implemented – actions that are short of belligerency. I have my own ideas, that I do not wish to publish, which if or when implemented, will catch the other party by surprise. However, should any of our officials believe that a retired octogenarian government official can contribute something that will help our country on this all that is needed is to send me an email or call me via my phone number I will be happy to reply!

There are many other countries that want the matter to be settled peacefully. One of them is India, which expressed concern over the issue. Our old relationship with India is something that the DFA should exploit and promote for closer diplomatic and economic relations. The biggest sea south of India is the Indian Ocean. It is the region where the Indian Navy prevails, together with the US Navy.

I have written about the need for stronger relations between our country and Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. Most important of all our foreign relations should be that with the United States.

I strongly urge that our relations with the USA be the closest possible, just like during the early incumbency of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. I am sure, based on past experience, we could protect our Spratlys territory.