Midterm Exam: "Peace Process in Mindanao and Moro Problem

To indirectly see ordinary men and women involved in an armed nationalist struggles seems to be an inescapable reality as being one of the citizens of the Philippines characterized as a country rich in natural resources and at the same time, rich in bloody conflicts by an expanding populations having different beliefs and ideologies who spills their own blood and the blood of other people which has originated from the time the country has been colonized by the Spaniards up to the present. This is one of the reasons why based on my own perspective, I decided to choose the topic “Mindanao Peace Process and Moro Problems”, for it represents another elaboration of the mourning as one of the product of conflict that happens in the Philippines, thus being determined and influenced by international realities. In fact, there are two principal reasons for my choice of topic. First, we need to ask ourselves, what hinders Philippines from having social and economic developments? What are the factors that contribute to the slow progress of a country? Do all states desire to invest in this country? One of the most difficult challenges the Philippines has been facing is the facilitation of the development in Mindanao. The government must aim to consolidate peace and to transform conflicts through increased understanding of the dynamics of the specific conflict and this paper provides a brief background of how and when it all started in order for them to effectively enhanced conflict resolution mechanisms and in that way, the Philippines can enable the sovereign people to promote peace throughout its regions. Second, I strongly believe that Mindanao is indeed one of the islands that a country must be proud of. But the questions are; who benefits from the beauty of the land? Who has the right and the power over the resources the Mindanao has? Why is the presence of violence very visible? This paper contains the peace processes being undertaken by the Philippine government to lessen the tension between their security forces and Islamic separatist groups.

Who would have thought that the second largest and easternmost island of the Philippines also called the Land of Promise would be the center of the talks being conducted by the different agencies, government institutions and tasked security forces due to the tensions over the exploitation of the island’s resources and the economic disparity between Muslims and Christians that has originated first under the Spanish colonization, followed by the American colonization, then the Central Philippine Government, and at present, the Americans again because of the incident which happened eight years ago, the 9/11 attack in New York, where the US now extended its cause to such areas such as Mindanao.

“The justification for this has been that terrorist suspects arrested in other Southeast Asian countries have admitted to being trained in MILF campus. US officials often link the separatist movement to Al Qaeda.”

The struggle for freedom and self-determination of the Moros is considered one of the longest, if not the longest struggles in the history of mankind (Butler, 2002). During the war of independence against the Spanish, the Muslims lacked participation which is another reason why they did not feel the sense of belongingness in the Philippines. As one author on Muslim separatism remarked, of all the regional people a Philippine nation would have incorporate, “the people in Mindanao might as well have been on another planet” (Gochenour, 1990). The military assistance against the Spanish lasted over 350 years until the Spanish were defeated by the Americans in the 1898 American-Spanish war and despite the fact the Spanish had never colonized the Morolands, Spain included Mindanao in the Treaty of Paris which transferred sovereignty to the United States. But before the Treaty of Paris had been signed, several events first had taken place like the Moro Rebellion, where the Muslim Moros in the south refused to submit and continued fighting against American colony until 1916. Spain sold the Philippines including the Morolands to the United States for 20 million Mexican dollars and then another negotiation between two, equal, sovereign states; the United States and the Sultanate of Sulu signed eight months before the Treaty of Paris, resulted to the Bates Treaty. Under the Treaty of Paris, “Washington officially acknowledged that the Moros were not part of the Philippines and specifically guaranteed to respect the identity and integrity of the Sulu Sultanate” (Fallon, 2002). American rule further alienated through accelerated North-South resettlement programs where the Northern Filipinos moved to the Mindanao frontier which was seen by the Bangsamoro as an encroachment on their land and ownership disputes began to take on religious and ethnic overtones when the frontier was filled to capacity.

Another actions done by the United States during this time was that they extracted the Mindanao’s resources because of their support for the multinationals that utilize and benefit from it. Moreover, Moros view Manila regime as yet another foreign occupiers. Since the power and the authority is concentrated on the central government, Moros consider their areas being left behind by the government officials of the Philippines because they tend to compare their economic conditions with the conditions of the rest of the areas in the Philippines, complaining that the efforts coming from the leaders being executed are not existing at all. Another root cause of the unending conflict is the land itself in Mindanao. Muslims native to the island have been systematically deprived of traditionally-based ownership. Bangsamoros were provoked to separatism due to the economic disparity, resulting from the imbalance in ownership of natural resources.

Consequently, “the separatist liberation fronts do not even officially view their cause as one of the secession, but as one of freeing themselves from an alien Philippine government’s illegal occupation of their homelands”.

The conflict especially between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and the army is ongoing and continues to claim lives. But it made me ask myself; who are the people behind this unending conflict? National security and protection of the nationals are two of the elements of the Philippine Foreign Policy and in order for the country to develop; it must have political conditions that ensure security and justice first. By just looking at the settings of the Philippines, how peaceful is the country? Finding out the actors involved is a helpful instrument to accomplish this paper that provides essential information to the readers interested in knowing facts about the ongoing conflict in Mindanao.

There are two divisions of actors to easily identify their roles as part of the armed struggles in the Philippines; the directly involved actors and the indirectly involved actors. Under the directly involved actors are the Philippine government’s security forces which include the (AFP) Armed Forces of the Philippines and the (PNP) Philippine National Police which is responsible in maintaining the primacy of the peace process at all times which has significantly reduced the armed confrontations between them and their opposing forces. Next is the, Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units; “the AFT and PNP have trained civilian militia units to keep areas purged of insurgents secure”. Last are the extremist Christian groups, they are engaged in vigilante violence against Muslim Communities. Other groups under the directly involved actors are the Islamic separatist groups which include the Abu Sayyaf, the smallest most radical of the Islamic separatist groups in the Southern Philippines and they are known for series of kidnappings of Filipinos and of Western nationals for which it has received several large ransom payments. Second is the Jemaah Islamiyah, an Indonesia-based regional Islamic group that has been linked to Al Qaeda. Third is the MILF or the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, this is the largets active Islamic separatist group and was first centred around the MNLF, formed in the late 1960s following the Jabidah Massacre. Finally, the MNLF or the Moro National Liberation Front, first appeared in the 1970s, fighting for an independent Moro nation and was accredited by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. “Illaga forces”, this Christian fundamentalist group that belongs to the directly involved actors sometimes formerly engaged in vigilante violence against Muslim communities with the support of the Philippine national army. Second actors are the indirectly involved actors; the very controversial United States is one of them. Their administration pledged $100,000 in order to assist the Philippine government’s fight against the separatists. Next to the United States is the Organization of the Islamic Conference with a number of 56 nations which promotes the interest of Muslims worldwide and seeks to further a civilized and tolerant message of Islam. Because of the presence of these actors, ongoing talks and peace processes have been conducted to be able to come up with a single policy that can “strengthen the positive agenda of the Moro nation- to define what it is for rather than simply against” (Konrad-Adenaeur-Stiftung, 2007).

When I was doing this paper, my uncle arrived home, he is Lt. Victor S. Garlitos, under the Armed Forces of the Philippines and I grabbed the opportunity to talk to him and the first question I asked was; “What do you think of the MILF or the Abu Sayyaf?” He laughed and answered; “They are traitors”. It seems that it will take years before an improvement to the ongoing talks is seen and so I asked my uncle to provide me a list of an immediate solutions that can somewhat help the government in formulating better policies to resolve this issue. For the immediate solutions; “First, the military should pursue the operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group. The faction of the MILF that cuddles the Abu Sayyaf should also be subjected to military offensives. The government must establish control over key areas in Mindanao. Second, the government should conduct initial dialogues with MILF leadership and ascertain the extent of their control over their forces. The MILF seem to have many factions in their organizations and the central leadership does not have form control over their commanders. This divisiveness makes the negotiation with MILF a hollow one since they could not commit as an organization. Third, conduct immediate relief operations for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) or refugees.” On the other hand, for the long term proposed solutions; “First, the government shall continue to explore peaceful solutions to the crisis in Mindanao through conferences Moro rebels, mediated by Islamic Nations in ASEAN region. Next, review the provisions on the granting of Autonomy to Muslim Mindanao as embodied in RA 6734 “covers the socio-economic concerns of the Autonomous Region and its people” (Diaz, 2007). Certain areas could be revised that would accommodate the interests of the Moro rebels and the government. Third, continue to implement development projects in Mindanao so that the populace in said area could appreciate the efforts of the government for a progressive future. Fourth, if the MILF maintains their hardcore position on the absolute autonomy of Muslim Mindanao, the government shall implement a “carrot and stick” policy wherein, amnesty will be given to those who decide to surrender and punishment for those who decide to fight.”

Currently, there have been frameworks created that focus on the ceasefire agreement and three documents that would be signed to create a framework for the Peace Process. “The first document was a joint commitment to pursue peace and development. The second concerned the rules of conduct for the formal Peace Talks and the third concerned the rules of conduct for the local consultations with the barangays who wished to participate. Work on these documents was carried out in informal talks between the two sides. Only when agreement had been reached did the formal Peace Panels meet in order to sign the documents” (Clifford, 2010). This peace process at this moment is not yet complete, but the processes still continues which only shows that there is commitment, vision and courage of all those involved.

“A completion of the peace process presents another prospect which has been a problem area for the government. With commitment and good governance, there is high hope that the MILF will be able to manage the porous borders of its jurisdiction that have become the occasion for piracy, smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes in the area”.

One of the fundamental issues the government has to acknowledge or incorporate into negotiations is the inequitable distribution of land and other resources since “the Moros complained that they have been deprived of the income generated from the development of resources other than land, too namely mining, fishing and agriculture. Mindanao is among the most natural resource-rich areas of Southeast Asia, and the most well-endowed island of the Philippine archipelago, and if only we can preserve and protect the beauty it has, progress is the change Filipinos can see at this present time under the administration of the new president of the Philippines, President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III. Armed conflict has been more or less continuous to the present, even alongside periods of peace negotiations. What will be the strategies of the new president? Will he go for an all-out-war just like what former president, Joseph “Erap” Estrada did or will he continue the all-out-peace of the former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo? According to the statement of President Noynoy Aquino during the press briefing held last July 15, 2010, he is committed to a comprehensive, just and peaceful solution to the situation in Mindanao and he will start to resume talk with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with the identified persons as part of the peace panel. He would also view the negotiations as a dialogue to ensure that everybody can fully apprehend the problem and provide lasting solutions. At the last part of his statement he said; “I have taken a constitutional oath to “do justice for all.” He only hopes for the good intentions of all the citizens to bring peace and justice in the country. Peace is not merely the absence of violence or war because right after the violence, one must learn to sustain it. Rehabilitations and developments should also work hand in hand with negotiations.

This paper promotes one of the non-negotiable elements of the Philippine Foreign Policy, the “national security”. There are concepts of national security which the government has to identify further at this point in time; protection of the nation’s people and territories from physical assault, equated to national defense, emanates from outside the country, protection of vital economic and political interests, the loss of such could threaten fundamental values and the vitality of the state itself, concerns not only of the military, but also of the departments and agencies, it may be threatened both from within and externally/ The government must protect and enhance the welfare of the people and they need to maintain nation’s sovereignty; crucial attribute is the right of self-determination. Since territorial integrity is one of the concerns of national security, the government has to effectively control the territory. They must support the protection of the environment that supports the development strategies for the benefit o the nation and people. They must maintain peace and harmony among the divergent groups of people. They must be able to develop the economy that supports national endeavors and derives its strength from the people. They must know what moral-spiritual consensus is, especially that the people are inspired by their patriotism and national pride in order to participate in the pursuit of country’s goals and objectives and lastly, they must maintain external peace because the country and the people enjoy cordial relations with their neighbors, free from any control, interference or threat of aggression and if anyone who fails to execute all of these, expect another major problem in the Philippines. As one of the citizens of this country, what I can do now is to participate, coordinate and integrate the implementation of the comprehensive peace process.

References:

http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3294&Itemid=75 Diaz, Patricio. November, 2007. Comment: Excuse, Please. Correction.

http://opapp.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154&Itemid=146

© 2009. OPPAP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process)

http://opapp.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154&Itemid=146

Clifford, Paul. January, 2010. Peace Process in Mindanao.

http://www.iag.org.ph/cgi-bin/publications/files/journal%20vol3%20issue%203_1.pdf

Institute for Autonomy and Governance and Konrad-Adenaeur-Stiftung. July-October 2007. New Thinking in the Mindanao Peace Process. Philippines.

http://www.twf.org/News/Y2002/0215-Moros.html
Butler, Amir. 2002. An Enduring Freedom For the Moros.

http://www.twf.org/News/Y2002/0215-Moros.html
Margolis, Eric. 2002. Philippines: Next Target of Bush’s War

http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/a_long_history_of_injustice_ignored_the_moros_of_the_philippines/
Musaji, Sheila.2003. A Long History of Injustice Ignored: The Moros of the Philippines
http://www1.american.edu/TED/ice/mindanao.htm

Domestic Policy to Foreign Policy

History, constitution, institution and interest groups are covered by the domestic policy by which the government establishes within the nation's borders and last Monday (July 12, 2010), we had a discussion on the extension of the domestic policy, the Foreign Policy, an instrument used to widen the scope of a country's policies. In foreign policy, the government advances its interest in the world politics. It has 3 non-negotiable elements; First, the national interest which includes the territorial integrity and political development. Second, economic development and the third is the protection of nationals. In Foreign Policy Making, there are continuous stages /processes being followed before a policy can be formulated and implemented.

In decision-making, you decide what significant question needs to be addressed and you identify your international interest apart from the 3 non-negotiable elements.
In implementation, you basically implement your goals and actions through diplomacy but there are factors that influence the implementation of goals: (nature of the state/country's government system, type of society, legal norms, economic state of the country and international climate).
In results and consequences, you examine the effects of the policies.
Lastly, you evaluate but it never ends in evaluation because you still need to revise it or do some adjustment.

Foreign Policy Making is a stirring process, "it never ends" because after you adjust, you start all over again. It is also your choice whether you would want to implement it, immediately (now), midterm (3 years) or long term (6 years).

While writing this blog, I thought of my midterm exam paper because it's about the Mindanao Peace Process and Moro Problem."In the Philippine setting, are the Filipino nationals, protected? How does our political leader ensures a strong territorial integrity? What are the instruments used in measuring the quality of life and social progress, is it by GDP and GNP only? How about GNH (Gross National Happiness) ??? I will not be surprised if one day, the 3 stars in the Philippine flag that represents the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will become two because of the Moros/Muslims want to have freedom or "secession". Now, who has the power over the South China Sea, Spratly's Island and Sabah? Look at the Filipinos, instead of living in harmony with each another; they ought to harm one another because of self-interest. Each side has its own goals and this prevents the country from developing. This is a challenge to the new Philippine president, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. I am looking forward to his policies toward the betterment of the country especially on "how he and his appointed peace panels/officials can solve the unresolved and unending conflict in Mindanao".

DFA, PGMA's 8 Relalities, Philippine Foreign Policy and Noynoy's Administration

1. What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy?

i) Republic Act No. 7157, otherwise known as "Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991", gives mandate to the Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the three (3) pillars of the Philippine Foreign Policy, as follows:

a. Preservation and enhancement of national security
b. Promotion and attainment of economic security
c. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas

What other institutions help or assist the Department of Foreign Affairs in realizing forieign policies?

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Commission on Filipino Overseas, Bureaus of Labor Relations, Bureau of Local Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Rural Workers, Institute for Labor Studies, Bureau of Food and Drugs, and many more.

2. Enumerate the Eight Foreign Policy Realities of former President Arroyo.

A. China, Japan and the United States and their relationship will be a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia.

Article: “U.S. Eyes Review of East Asia Strategic Policy by Year End” 03/10/10
The United States will conduct some review on the East Asia strategic policy to protect itself and their allies from different security threat. It redefines the relationship of US with their allies like Japan which will lead to the reinforcement of their alliances. This article basically talks about the security of all states involved as part of the community of East Asia.

Article: “East Asia Finance Ministers See Asset Price, Inflation Risks” 05/03/10

Finance ministers from East Asian countries cited rising global asset prices and inflationary pressures and sovereign debt risks' possible impact on capital inflow as the key risks facing their economies. The ministers from 10 ASEAN members, China, Japan and South Korea also finalized a plan to set up a US$700 million credit guarantee fund in a big step to help funnel more of the region's massive foreign reserves into the local bond markets. They remain vigilant on the market developments to maintain the consistency and stability of macroeconomic policies and to adopt appropriate exit strategies.

B. Philippine Foreign Policy decision have to be made in the context of ASEAN.

Article: “Philippines’ maritime borders. Manila foreign policy set in context of ASEAN” 06/02/10
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said; Philippine foreign-policy decisions should be made in the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting the regional bloc's key engagements with the US, China, and Japan to ensure stable security and economic conditions in the East Asian region. In order to promote common interests, countries will continue to redefine the role of multilateral and interregional organizations amid the continuing global threats such as the nuclear-weapons-enrichment programs of Iran and North Korea.

Article: “Philippines, Japan start JPEPA review” 12/20/09

Philippine and Japanese officials opened their second yearly review of a wide-ranging bilateral economic cooperation pact, to make sure that commitments are met in 2010. Both parties have been generally faithful in liberalizing the trade in goods and services under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership enforcement in some areas. Both parties have generally "adhered" to their commitments, so far, citing the "smooth" movement of natural persons as an example. Agreement (JPEPA). But both hinted, without elaborating, that there was a need to improve.

C. The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the Philippines
Article: “Philippines/Islam: NCMF consulting Moro communities nationwide” 05/01/10
Jumada Awwal determined to improve services for the constituents of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, NCMF chief Bai Omera Dianalan Lucman said the commission has started a nationwide consultation and dialogue with the Muslim communities, including pilgrims to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. With the operational of the commission and the support of the national leadership, they are optimistic that problems and concerns that were encountered in the past, like certain controversies on the conduct of the hajj, will be effectively addressed to ensure a more comfortable, smooth, orderly and successful program implementation reflective of the government's commitment and sincerity for the development of Muslim communities as active partners in the common quest for economic growth and development.

Article: “MILF sees no breakthrough in talks with government” 04/21/10
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed pessimism that a breakthrough would be achieved in their latest talks with the Philippine Government in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, said the discussion of the agenda went well and the controversial two drafts on the interim arrangement were also deliberated. The latest round of talks aimed at resolving the differences in their drafts on the proposed interim agreement on transitional mechanism on governance.

D. The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and inter-regional organizations to promote common interests

Article: “Philippines calls on UN to help poorer countries fight soaring food, fuel prices” 09/23/08
The developing world is at a “tipping point” due to fluctuations in the global economy, the President of the Philippines told the General Assembly today, calling on the United Nations for its assistance in ensuring that financial uncertainties do not roll back development gains. The Philippines has made “hard-earned” gains over the past seven years that have allowed the South-East Asian nation to weather the first tide of global price surges that swept across the world earlier this year, but the recent economic turmoil in world markets has had a profound impact. “To address these global challenges, we must go on building bridges among allies around the world: to bring the [price of] rice to where it is needed to feed the people, investments to create jobs; and keep the peace and stability in the world,” she (PGMA) stated. The President praised Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for taking swift and decisive measures to address the global food crisis that brings together multilateral organizations, donor countries, civil society and the private sector.

E. As an archipelagic state, the defense of the nation's sovereignty and the protection of its environment and natural resources can be carried out only to the extent that it asserts its rights over the maritime territory and gets others to respect those rights;

Article: “Official Press Release of the Department of Foreign Affairs, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES-International Court Denies Philippine Intervention, But Assures RP on Sabah"

To protect its interest in Sabah, the Philippine government in March this year, went to the International Court to seek permission to intervene in the on-going dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia. The Philippine legal team, headed by DFA Undersecretary, Merlin M. Magallona, argued the Philippine position last June in the International Court in the Hague.

Article: “DepEd curriculum for environment proposed” 01/18/08

The Philippines would do well to incorporate an environmental awareness subject in grade school to raise citizens’ awareness in environmental protection and conservation. The school system has to be actively involved in this. Resource stewardship and consumption must be understood by every individual regardless of economic income. They all need to recognize the impact of their choices. It’s easier for the affluent to understand that but for those in subsistence community it’s not going to be that easy.

F. The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments;

Article: “Focus on Domestic Market” 06/27/10
Our exporters are understandably happy about the strong rebound in exports in the first five months of the year. The only fly on the ointment is the strengthening peso. Many of them are saying that the nascent recovery can be aborted if many of our small exporters close down because of the appreciation of our currency. Of course, another threat is the return of stagnation in the global market in 2011 if the US, Germany and other advanced economies suffer a double-dip recession.

Article: “Philippines coping well in the global economic crisis, say analysts” 07/15/09
"The Philippines has progressively reduced tariff levels and eliminated non-tariff measures. Notable improvements were achieved in standards and conformance, customs rules and regulations, and the mobility of business people. Various structural policy reforms have supported enhanced domestic competition, the growth of the market economy and private sector development." The report concludes that while there remain some challenges to achieving goals in services and investment, there is generally strong evidence of commitment.

G. The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism

Article: “PHILIPPINES: Philippines seeks international investors for medical tourism” 04/28/10
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) is urging British businessmen to invest in Philippine tourism, citing the many advantages offered by the country, such as increased government incentives and the opportunities arising from medical tourism. The DoT has pitched to property developers, and travel and tourism companies. Tourism Secretary, Ace Durano says, “With a long established mutual relation with the British stakeholders, we are now focusing on expansion and exploration into other forays of tourism investment which is a priority category for foreign investments in the Philippines.”

Article: “Euromonitor forecasts better 2010 tourism prospects” 11/22/09
The Philippine tourism industry anticipates a much brighter 2010 now that the global outlook for tourism slowly becomes encouraging. “Throughout the global crunch, Philippine tourism remained optimistic and adaptive to the challenges. Being a key driver for economic growth in the country, the tourism industry continues to carry a positive outlook. In spite of the difficulties, the sector continued to be strong because the over-all focus is on opportunities instead of the threats.

H. Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in the country's economic and social stability

Article: “RETURNING Overseas Filipino Worker (OFWs) SAVE DAY FOR ECONOMY ANEW – ARROYO” 12/11/03
Dollar remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have again saved the day for the peso. The seasonal homecoming of tens of thousands of OFWs for Christmas with their families and the greenbacks they brought with them have helped the peso recover from its tailspin over the past weeks. The peso is now trading at an average of 55.20 to $1. President Arroyo said the Palace is "preparing a grand welcome" for returning OFWs over the holidays to honor them as the country's modern-day heroes. It's during the holiday season that we truly appreciate the meaningful contribution of our OFWs to our economy, as well as the joy they bring their families.

Article: “Philippines honors OFWs on Migrant Workers Day” 06/08/09
The Philippines paid tribute on Sunday to its estimated eight million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their contributions, not only to the economy but also for their skills and talents that have provided the engines of growth and progress in their host countries.

3. With the assistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the president that drafts state policies. What do you think will be included in President Noynoy Aquino’s foreign policy list now that he has assumed the presidency?

Rebuild international image by representing the country in the international arena. Promote domestic markets. Eradicate corruption that would attract foreign investments and consequently provide more jobs. Encourage free and fair competition in a level playing field. Rationalize fiscal incentives. Increase the country’s access to formal activities of other countries. Strengthen the international relations. Provide more jobs in order to help Filipinos have better livelihood and improve the conditions of the OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers).

Identify five issues and find news clippings to support your answer.

a. “With Noynoy in office, what's in store for the Philippines? “ 06/09/10 (http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/06/09/with_noynoy_in_office_whats_in_store_for_the_philippines)

b. “Noynoy to face corruption, power interests” 05/19/10
(http://ph.politicalarena.com/presidential-elections/news/noynoy-to-face-corruption-power-interests)

c. “The face of a Noynoy Administration for Mindanao” 05/23/10
(http://blogs.gmanews.tv/jun-mercado/archives/73-The-face-of-a-Noynoy-Administration-for-Mindanao.html)

d. “New challenge to Noynoy” 06/18/10
(http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20100618-276361/New-challenge-to-Noynoy)

e. “Noynoy on TIME article: ‘Good news on RP a challenge” 04/18/10
(http://www.gmanews.tv/story/188736/noynoy-on-time-article-good-news-on-rp-a-challenge)

4. How significant is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Philippine Foreign Policy?

The aims of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations; to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter; to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields; to provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres; to collaborate more effectively for the greater utilisation of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples; to promote Southeast Asian studies; and to maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves, have helped the Philippines to developed its foreign policy in relation with its other members as part of this international organization. Together with the ASEAN goals, it helps strengthen the internal capabilities of the Philippines, rethink of strategic planning and processes, allows active participation in multilateral efforts, redefines the policies being implemented by the country, provides comprehensive security as a defense to maintain peace and stability needed and develops closer communication linkage among different institutions.