Marcos’s Revelation and Concerns about Sovereignty
Marcos’s revelation has sent shockwaves throughout the Philippines, as the alleged secret agreement raises numerous concerns about the country’s sovereignty and the transparency of its government. Many Filipinos are questioning why such a crucial decision regarding the West Philippine Sea was kept hidden from the public and why it was not disclosed to Marcos and his team when they assumed office.
The Symbolic BRP Sierra Madre and the Philippines’ Territorial Claims
The grounding of the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal has long been seen as a symbol of the Philippines’ assertion of its territorial claims in the region. The ship, deliberately run aground in 1999, has served as a military outpost and a symbol of Filipino presence in the disputed waters. The decision not to repair it, as allegedly agreed upon by Duterte and Xi Jinping, has raised concerns about the Philippines’ commitment to defending its claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Lack of Transparency and Questions about Accountability
Furthermore, the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement has raised questions about the accountability of the Duterte administration. As a lawyer and former prosecutor, Duterte should have been well aware of the importance of documenting and recording such agreements. The fact that the agreement was kept hidden from the public and even from Marcos and his team suggests a deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny and accountability.
Skepticism and Concerns about China’s Intentions
The confirmation of the agreement by the Chinese embassy has also raised eyebrows among Filipinos. Many are skeptical of China’s intentions in the region and view the agreement as a betrayal of the country’s national interests. The West Philippine Sea is a highly contested area, with multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, asserting their claims. Any agreement that affects the Philippines’ position in the region should be subject to public scrutiny and debate.
Marcos’s Call for Transparency and Accountability
Marcos’s call for transparency and accountability is resonating with many Filipinos who are demanding answers from the Duterte administration. They want to know who else in the cabinet was aware of the agreement and why it was kept hidden from the public for so long. The Philippine Senate, in particular, has a crucial role to play in ensuring that any agreement with another sovereign state is in the best interests of the country and its people.
Marcos’s Efforts to Address the Issue
In an effort to address this issue, President Marcos has extended an olive branch to his predecessor, President Duterte. He has expressed his willingness to sit down with Duterte and engage in a discussion about the foreign policies that were sealed during Duterte’s administration. Marcos has urged Duterte to provide him with the documents related to Malacañang’s foreign policy, particularly those pertaining to the territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.
The Importance of Thorough Preparation and Clarity
Marcos understands the importance of thorough preparation and has made it clear that he will review the documents beforehand. This preparation will enable him to ask intelligent questions during the conference, ensuring that the discussion is productive and meaningful. Marcos is committed to doing his homework and seeking clarity on the matter, as he believes that the Filipino people deserve transparency and accountability.
Duterte’s Verbal Agreement and Maintaining the Status Quo
It is worth noting that President Duterte himself has admitted to a verbal agreement with President Xi Jinping of China. This agreement, according to Duterte, maintains the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, with no armed patrols or construction activities to prevent the escalation of the territorial dispute. However, Duterte has also clarified that the Philippines has not conceded anything to China. Former spokesman Harry Roque referred to the agreement as a “gentleman’s agreement” aimed at reducing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The Importance of Transparency and Accountability for Progress
President Marcos’s call for clarity and accountability is a step in the right direction for the Philippines. By seeking transparency and engaging in open dialogue, he is demonstrating his commitment to serving the best interests of the Filipino people. The upcoming discussion with President Duterte has the potential to shed light on the undisclosed agreement and provide much-needed clarity on the country’s foreign policies. Only through open and honest communication can the Philippines move forward and make informed decisions that benefit its citizens.
President Marcos’s Confidence in Economic Ties
President Marcos’s confidence in the trilateral summit’s resilience to the recent revelations about the secret agreement reflects his determination to prioritize economic ties and cooperation with the United States and Japan. As the summit aimed to strengthen these relationships, it served as a platform for discussing potential investments and opportunities for economic growth.
The Need for Transparency and Accountability with China
However, the secret agreement between Duterte and China has raised concerns about transparency and accountability. President Marcos acknowledges the need for clarity and has shown a willingness to engage in discussions with his predecessor to address the issue. This commitment to transparency and accountability is crucial for maintaining the trust of the international community and ensuring that economic ties are built on a solid foundation.
Protecting Territorial Integrity and Building Strong Relationships
The Philippines’ relationship with China, particularly in the context of safeguarding its territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea, will be closely monitored by the international community. President Marcos understands the importance of protecting the country’s sovereignty and will navigate this delicate balance with caution and diplomacy.
Prioritizing Transparency, Accountability, and Economic Growth
As the Philippines moves forward, it will be essential for President Marcos to address the concerns raised by the secret agreement while maintaining a focus on strengthening economic ties with the United States and Japan. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and territorial integrity, President Marcos aims to foster an environment that encourages international investments and economic growth for the benefit of the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
