did Arroyo sell out the spratlys? -i don't think so.
Let's call a spade a spade. The opposition is using words like "blunder", "sell-out", and even "treason" citing the 2005 tripartite agreement for seismic undertaking over the spratly islands with the Philipipnes, Vietnam and China. I think they are being too harsh this time.
While I'm not a big fan of the administration, I don't think its as bad as they say for the following reasons:
1) Joint agreements for exploration are not inherently bad. From an economic standpoint, they are good. Other countries have done it and have reaped handsome rewards. In our case, China is willing to "shelve" their claims on the spratlys and cooperate on how to exploit the resources and agree on the sharing later on.
2) Without considering legal issues and for the sake of argument, it is arguably a good policy to cooperate with China. Some say the sleeping giant has awoken. I don't think it has yet, and I think China's policies say so as well. At the moment, they are busy trying to gain a favorable image in the world and cooperation with countries like the Philippines help them get this better image. Lets work with them before they start throwing their weight around and while we still can.
3) A President cannot cede land. In the Philippnies, there is no doubt. The consitution is clear. China knows this, they won't try anything as absurd as asking our President to cede our land.
At a forum in U.P. diliman:
Dean Pangalangan of the U.P. College of law propounded the following objections with regard to the controverisal tripartite agreement:
1) Lack of transparency
2) Unconsitutionality (as it involves exploitation on natural resources)
Dean Baviera noted that it was obvious that diplomatic negotiations took place and the administration should be clear on what compromise the country entered into, what we got in return and where it went.
Finally, since this project has potential in helping our economy and Filipinos in general, I think we, as citizens should just dare our President to finish the job, get our share of the oil and show us the money! :)
While I'm not a big fan of the administration, I don't think its as bad as they say for the following reasons:
1) Joint agreements for exploration are not inherently bad. From an economic standpoint, they are good. Other countries have done it and have reaped handsome rewards. In our case, China is willing to "shelve" their claims on the spratlys and cooperate on how to exploit the resources and agree on the sharing later on.
2) Without considering legal issues and for the sake of argument, it is arguably a good policy to cooperate with China. Some say the sleeping giant has awoken. I don't think it has yet, and I think China's policies say so as well. At the moment, they are busy trying to gain a favorable image in the world and cooperation with countries like the Philippines help them get this better image. Lets work with them before they start throwing their weight around and while we still can.
3) A President cannot cede land. In the Philippnies, there is no doubt. The consitution is clear. China knows this, they won't try anything as absurd as asking our President to cede our land.
At a forum in U.P. diliman:
Dean Pangalangan of the U.P. College of law propounded the following objections with regard to the controverisal tripartite agreement:
1) Lack of transparency
2) Unconsitutionality (as it involves exploitation on natural resources)
Dean Baviera noted that it was obvious that diplomatic negotiations took place and the administration should be clear on what compromise the country entered into, what we got in return and where it went.
Finally, since this project has potential in helping our economy and Filipinos in general, I think we, as citizens should just dare our President to finish the job, get our share of the oil and show us the money! :)
Comments
But the Chinese are ensuring we live in interesting times, aren't they?