CHILD SOLDIER (SEM-CDA) August 28, 2010

A very serious issue was tackled last August 28, 2010, it was about Child Soldiers. Through the efforts of the SEM-CDA student and through the help of the two speakers; Sergeant Andrew Kervin Ras and Colonel Dickson Hermoso, Chief Public Affairs Division, OJ7, GHQ, AFP, information needed by the students was just distributed smoothly.

Both speakers provided a brief background on the issue, the government agencies responsible on monitoring the welfare of the children, the actions being taken by the government and their plans on how to combat the child soldiers.

The following are the reasons of involvement of children in armed conflict enumerated by Col. Hermoso:

Source of income, poverty, indoctrination by parents and/or soldiers, seeking justice from, prejudicial experience, in consideration of price or reward and jihad or holy war.

Republic Act 7610, also known as: “Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, signed last June 17, 1992. “An act providing for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse. Exploitation and discrimination, providing penalties for its violation and for other purposes”.

It is the policy of the State to provide special protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination, and other conditions prejudicial to their development; provide sanctions for their commission and carry out a program for prevention and deterrence of and crisis intervention in situation of child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

Although a number of countries have undertaken demobilization and reintegration programs for child soldiers, there remains a dearth of documentation and dissemination of program experience and best practice to guide the countries. It is not enough to just give and give information; what we need now is an action. We shall not wait for more shed of blood from children and innocent people; if third party facilitator can help the Philippines lessen the tension between the Philippine government and the Moros, then the Philippines has to look for a better 3^rd party facilitator immediately even if it would not be easy on our part since it can lead to international conflict.

Honestly speaking, I’m not satisfied with the answer of Col. Hermoso when Ms. Dela Cruz asked him, “who should be the next third party facilitator of the Philippines”.

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY (SEM-CDA) August 28, 2010

A seminar on “Public Diplomacy” was conducted last August 28, 2010 to help students understand how different government agencies act on certain issues related to the promotion of countries and protection of citizens. The Assistant Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Domingo Enerio became the speaker for that day. First, he gave an introduction of his experience while working in Japan in 1991 because he believes that “experience is the best teacher”. Although at first, he has to undergone adjustments in order to relate well with the nationals in Japan. “Working in the Department of Tourism, you get the chance to experience diplomacy”, he said.

He also encouraged everyone to analyze the situation that happened in the Philippines last August 23, 2010 since the Philippine government and agencies consider the incident as another challenge for the Philippines in promotion of friendly relations with other countries most especially to Hong Kong. Also, he would like the students to be more open-minded; because as a future diplomat, it is our duty to defend our country, to convince other people to invest in our country and to find better ways on how we can help the Philippines to develop. He also stated that “no matter how negative your country is, you always have to defend it because every country has its own beauty”. Moreover, he provided the students some of the activities of the DOT in line with Public Diplomacy (familiarization trip, rebranding and internet campaign) to sustain growth in tourist arrivals and investments, to create opportunities for increased local employment and to create new tourism products and services.

After 30 minutes, we had an open forum. The 1^st question was raised by Katrina Gonzalez; “What are the mechanisms that the DOT would be taking to prove to others that the Philippines is a safe country to visit?” and this is how he answered it “We need to do something to counter this incident. We want to be aggressive but we don’t want the people to see us too aggressive. We need to show to our neighbors that we are sorry for what happened. We have to accept the blame. We’re thinking about “full ads in Hong Kong”. But the Hon Kong said, “Don’t do that yet!” Next plan is; plan of high level of delegation to go over to Hong Kong to express our sympathy. But the HK said, “Don’t come if you don’t have answers yet”. We have to be careful this time with our decisions and actions.

He was able to answer all the questions and I can say that, “he is a good speaker”, because he was he successfully laid down all the information that a future diplomat has to know. The most unforgettable statement he said was “YOU ARE THE NO. 1 AMBASSADOR OF YOUR COUNTRY”.

Major Concerns of Philippine Foreign Policy

Last Monday, August 16, 2010 we discussed the major concerns of the Philippine Foreign Policy which includes; Regional arrangement and multilateral organizations - the Philippines shall promote its national interest in regional arrangements by establishing a solid relations starting from its neighboring countries all the way to the member countries of other international organizations that can provide an improvement to the Philippine economy. The Philippines shall pursue the strengthening of legislative and legal frameworks as well as the structures of institutions and the government shall continue to actively participate in regional/international concern and human rights.

The second major concern is the territorial rights over the South China Sea and Spratly’s Island. There are other claimants to this the said areas such as; China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan making it difficult for the Philippines to just claim it since every country has justification for the territories they have been claiming for. If only the Philippines can develop a strong territorial integrity, we can have a larger claim to these areas.

Next on the list is the direct foreign investment wherein the investment infrastructure and export or lented enterprises shall be promoted. Europe along with US, China, Japan and ASEAN will be sources of direct foreign investments, technology transfer and trade through Development Diplomacy.

Fourth major concern is tourism. One of the objectives of the current president of the Philippines s to attract more foreigners to visit our country that can help improve our economy but the country must improve all the possible areas that can easily attract more foreign investment as visitors traveled in the country.

Lastly, the overseas Filipinos; the government shall continue to provide progressive consular and legal assistance to Filipinos abroad and must strengthen the welfare mechanism for OFWs by aggressively forging new bilateral arrangements with most of the countries. The government shall continue to ensure the interest also of the OFWs since we cannot deny the fact that the Philippines benefit from the remittances the Filipino overseas bring to the country.

US,China & Japan..ASEAN..Islamic Community (August 09)

Philippines and its bilateral relations with the US, China and Japan, Philippine foreign policy in the context of (ASEAN) Association of Southeast Asian Nation and Philippines and its relation with the (OIC) Organization of Islamic Communities were the topics discussed last August 09, 2010. I believe that strengthening Philippine relations with these three States can lead to the betterment of the economy however gaps due to different interests hinder them from establishing a solid bond just like in the case of the China and the Philippines over the South China Sea, who has the power to possess and control it? Not only that, what is the position of the US in this conflict? China has accused the US of interference in the regional dispute over territorial claims in South China Sea and that the US should not “internationalize” the issue where China and other nations have conflicting territorial claims.

Next, in relation with Japan, what were the agreements we had in the past that needs to be improved to ensure better economic relations, (JPEPA) Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement? But one of the most alarming initial findings on the JPEPA are the indicators that the Philippine government has agreed to make the Philippines a dumping ground of Japan’s waste products and hazardous wastes is not the only issue in this agreement that we have with Japan; there are so many lopsided provisions in JPEPA that need to be brought up to the attention of the Filipino people and concerned industries.

In relation with the US, although US has contributed a lot to the Philippines, just like the education system, we cannot hide also the fact that there are also issues between the Philippines and the US just like the Visiting Forces Agreement that has to be amended to achieve equality between the two states that has entered an agreement.

With the ASEAN, P-Noy had his first speech last August 09 stating all his plans regarding the Philippine foreign policy and to sum it up, he would like to have a greater relation with other member-countries of the ASEAN which leads to the development of the Philippine economy.

Lastly, is about the (OIC) Organization of Islamic Conference. We have all the talks and agreements with the Moros since this is one of the issues that the Philippines has been trying to resolved, but is it true that it would have been impossible for the Philippines and the Moros to establish a peaceful talks if it was not because of the OIC? Because I am not that familiar with the OIC and what I only know about it is that, we cannot be a member of this organization becuae majority of the population in the Philippines are Christians, we are not a Muslim country but in my own opinion, being an observer in the OIC should not be an issue since we have the Moros who are so determined with their sovereignty and also, the Muslims have the right to be informed.

Pres. Noynoy Aquino III's Speech on the Occassion of the 43rd ASEAN Foundation

In his speech, he did not mention about how he will assist the country as part of the regional bloc to be on “equal footing” with highly developed nations together with Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar and all other members of the ASEAN. Before, he has stated that he would like to work on achieving greater unity between the Philippines and other member-countries of the ASEAN and that there is a need to go the United States, the biggest market which is a big help to what the ASEAN wants to achieve because this international organization wants to have growth as far as the European Union is concerned but I do not know how will the Philippines contribute on that development.

He stated that the “ASEAN aims to build a people-oriented regional community through political security, economic and socio-cultural by 2015” and then he mentioned his plans to achieve these goals before he leave his administration. Although it is important to state all plans as a basis for accomplishing all the objectives, he did not state anything “unusual and substantial” because his focus is more on economic development and better friendly relations with other member-countries and investors through culture and arts.

I hope that he can be able to carry out at best the difficult responsibility for which the Filipino citizens have chosen him. Philippines are linked by a bond of friendship and collaboration, which is constantly strengthened by the presence of numerous and active Filipino citizens in other countries. But I believe that “stronger bond” must be attained in order to easily accomplish the goals P-Noy has set for the Philippines in relation with its neighboring countries. P-Noy has to be certain that he will continue to work together with the other leaders to give further strengthen to these friendly relations as a member of the ASEAN.

As a WOMAN .... (VFA)

No matter how precisely the government paint Visiting Forces Agreement, it will remain a strong foundation of the US military intervention and aggression leading to the control of Filipino people especially of women which in addition, endlessly challenging the Philippine sovereignty. The former president of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo never dared to challenge US government’s interests while her legitimacy as president is being questioned. “SELF-SERVING INTERESTS” became the most important factor for her when she administered the Philippines. (kaya lagapak pa rin tayo eh) It’s so disappointing to know the US soldier-rapists will NEVER be behind bars while the case is being tried in the Philippine court! One word to describe Nicole rape case? Prejudiced.

Once an ordinary Filipino man committed a crime, he will be punished and when you tried to compare it to Smith, “wow! He was treated as if he was a prince, as if he did not do anything.” He should be behind bars while the trial is ongoing. If not for the VFA, the soldier would be in jail right now. Why will I be surprised if one day, another woman will become a victim of the US soldiers because of this agreement?! Is being born as a woman one of the biggest reasons for suffering from violence? Sexual exploitation, rape, genital mutilation and so on. So who will be next? Your sister, mother or daughter? Who is responsible to end all of these??? How can we prevent this if we cannot stand on our own because we are afraid that the US might leave us?

We should ensure that crimes committed by US and foreign troops in this country are rendered appropriate justice. It is so dreadful to hear news about innocent women being raped and the justice that we want for them cannot be complete unless the VFA and US military intervention is removed. The previous administration turned a deaf ear to people’s call for the abrogation of the VFA which obviously gives opportunity to US soldier to abuse and rights of Filipino women and children. Let us face the reality that VFA is the reason why Nicole’s struggle for justice was made more difficult. I hope that everybody can see the indignity and slavery the presence of the VFA brings to our country :(

WHO NEEDS THE VFA? US versus Philippines

If we do not have laws, what do you think will happen to our country? Obviously people would do whatever they wanted to do; hurt or even kill one another and this is one of the reasons why we came up with Constitution. “Most” of the laws are obeyed but when they are not, whoever breaks it is punished. Sometimes laws seem UNFAIR and need to be changed but the problem comes when an agreement between two countries entered the law of one of the countries involved and a good example of this is the (VFA) Visiting Forces Agreement. When the Visiting Forces Agreement entered in the Philippine law, everything has been changed. Filipinos have all their rights written in the Philippine Constitution and the government has the responsibility to ensure that these rights are being exercised fairly and properly.

For some reasons, VFA has a positive impact to the Philippine for it extends the privileges to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when they are sent for trainings in the US. It also shares strategies in battles and shares information that can help the Philippines protect their territories and prevent terrorist attack but are all these stuffs enough for the Philippines to say that they truly benefit from the VFA??? oH come on! How long have we stayed in ignorance when it comes to our relations with the Americans? Filipinos, WAKE UP! What is behind this agreement? Who benefits from it? Who gets the profit? When can we stand on our own?

VFA serves for the interest of the government. This is a perfect agreement that the Philippines have for it violates HUMAN RIGHTS! (sigh) This is so unfair… According to one of the articles given to us by Ms. Dela Cruz (professor in PHIFOCY) http://zamboangajournal.blogspot.com/2009/02/rp-us-visiting-forces-agreement-helps.html, (1) “The VFA enhances Philippine national security and helps create a stable environment conducive to economic development.” But what do they used in military training exercises? They used live ammunitions that pose danger to human lives and animals and also destroy the environment. (2) “The Philippines was assisted in the training and equipping.” Their joint military exercises with the AFP, governed by the terms and provisions of the VFA, give reason for US military personnel to stay on Philippine territory for an unspecified period of time. Therefore it does not specify in clear and concise terms the extent of access to and movement within, the Philippines of US forces "visiting" in the Philippines. Area of coverage could be the entire country. How about the number of US personnel? How long will they stay? FOREVER?!? (3) “Assigned or visiting American soldiers need not abide by laws and regulations regarding: passport and visa, driver’s license, vehicle registration and payment of custom duties and taxes.” These privileges and exemptions make the US personnel special class of persons. They are treated MUCH BETTER than Filipinos! (4) “VFA guarantees “equal protection before the law” because it gives special privileges and rights to uniformed and civil members of the US Defense Department. These are rights and privileges that are not given to the ordinary Filipino citizen.” Any agreement entered into by the government with any foreign government should not result in foreigners being given preferential treatment over Filipinos in our own country. The Philippines should have rejected the agreement for it only works on their disadvantage. (5) “VFA formed the backbone of the soft approach to combating terrorism and foster inter-faith cooperation between Christian and Muslim communities.” Did the government enter into this kind of agreement because it fosters the peace of human kind or maybe they just entered it because “VFA” sounds new and good even if it’s the other way around? K Why is peace process in Mindanao one of the objectives of P-Noy? …….

What should we protect first? National interest or Foreign treaty? What are we afraid of??? I will not be surprised if one day, there will be ANOTHER rape case here in our country and same process will happen. Case, dismissed! :-) American soldiers, we salute you… Filipinos, they protect us so we must protect them too :-) --wtf--

I strongly believe that the VFA is for the US and not for the Philippines. It only violates the Philippine Constitution. If we benefit from this agreement even if by 0.00025%, why not make some changes for the betterment? The Americans are our visitors, and it is true Filipinos are known for being “hospitable”. We respect our visitors but they must respect us too. Everything that was written in the constitution, they must respect it. The US needs us that is why they came up with this kind of agreement with the Philippines. It’s just us who have to think again. The government should realize their responsibilities in ensuring the welfare of the Filipinos. Let us not allow the unequal treatment to Filipinos in favor of the American soldiers. US being a superpower should not be an excuse for them to continue whatever violations they have been doing in our country. It’s not too late to correct our mistakes. :-)