FVR reiterates call for US help in West Philippine Sea conflict

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Former President Fidel V. Ramos is reiterating calls for US help in securing Pag-Asa Island and other disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.

This comes as the country awaits the decision of the United Nations arbitral tribunal over the West Philipine Sea dispute and amidst questions surrounding the constitutionality of the Philippines’ enhanced defense cooperation agreement (EDCA) with the US.

Speaking before a group of more than 50 US-based Filipinos gathered in Makati last Saturday, Ramos told guests that they should lobby before the US Congress to push for the development of the Ulugan Bay as a possible naval base, which could accommodate submarines equipped with nuclear weapons.

He cited a confidential report by a team of Filipino-American experts connected with Stanford University, which proposed to cut a long, deep wharf in Ulugan Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan to serve as base for logistical needs of submarines.

In addition, Ramos referred to a proposal he earlier wrote in his column in the Manila Bulletin in May 2015, which recommended, among others, that the US:

1. Establish and develop a US Marine Corps Amphibious Operations Center at Ulugan Bay with at least 300 specialists.

2. Build the infrastructures for four to six F-35A stealth fighter-bombers on Pag-Asa, Kalayaan Island Group, Palawan.

3. Accelerate all American infrastructure work in combination with Philippine authorities under EDCA.

4. Deliver to the AFP an Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigate with missiles (warship) with no money down.

Asked about the feasibility of his proposal, Ramos said: “Under EDCA pwede. They may use Philippine bases to station their forces but not forever. There’s a timeframe that must be negotiated. On the other hand, there is no prohibition on the investment by the US in the development of real estate.”

The EDCA, signed on April 28, 2014, is a ten-year agreement between the United States and the Philippine government that would allow the United States to station its troops and operations within Philippine territory.

Its constitutionality, however, is being questioned before the Supreme Court.

In June this year, 13 senators led by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago signed and submitted to the Supreme Court a resolution declaring EDCA invalid and ineffective unless submitted to the Senate for ratification.

“There are some supranationalists who think we can defend the Philippines by ourselves, hindi pwede! We need the support of the US in a greater way,” Ramos said.

He added: “We must make sure that the EDCA, which is an expansion of the VFA, is properly handled by the Philippine Government as a matter of policy. Sure, it may go through ratification in the Senate but let’s make sure that we get the Senate majority vote, just like the VFA eventually during the time of Pres. Estrada.”

Former congressman and National Security Adviser Roilo Golez backed Ramos’s call.

“I fully agree with the former President with respect to the development of Ulugan, that’s very important. And also with the development of Pag-asa. Because we have to make China realize that the law of the seas applies to all of us. For every action, there is an equal counter-action. In other words, if they push, there’s going to be a pushback. That’s the law of gravity. That’s exactly what’s happening now. We’re pushing back,” he said.

Golez added: “The Philippines must acquire second-hand frigates, missile boats, missile-capable multi-purpose attack craft and/or land-based missiles.”

Golez even floated the idea of offering Pag-Asa Island to the US so that the US can develop it as a countermeasure to China’s plans to expand its clout in the West Philippine Sea.

Pag-Asa Island Mayor Eugenio Bitoonon Jr, meanwhile, advocated for a more peaceful solution by converting Pag-Asa and neighboring islands into an eco-tourism zone.

“We must pursue zonification and occupation of Pag-asa island…Eco-tourism is possible. Malaysia did it,” he explained.

At present, Pag-Asa may only be reached by requesting a Navy or chartered plane. It has no port, making it difficult to reach by boat.

Located 480 km west of Puerto Princesa and just outside the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Pag-Asa is 37 hectares in size and has 150 civilians living on the island.

Text: Jobert Navallo, ABS-CBN News

This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.