The ABS News today, May 26, 12:19pm bears the following news: “Vice Minister Chen Fengxiang of the International Department of the Communist Party of China was visibly moved when he faced the all-women congressional delegation from the Philippines on May 15 in Beijing. ‘Your coming here shows your courage and sincerity to improve our bilateral relations,’ he said.” This article tells me that while our government claims to have done everything it could to negotiate with China, there is still an empty void which they should fill. I am therefore making the following statement in respect to the EDCA and the China situation. For whatever this is worth, at least I can express a stand. DESIRING CONDITIONS OF PEACE: THE EDCA AND THE CHINA SITUATION FROM A BIBLICAL STANDPOINT By Bishop Reuben M. Abante “The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.” – Section 7, Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies) of the Philippine Constitution “The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.” – Section 2, Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies) of the Philippine Constitution The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in general is a move worthy of commendation for the contributions it can potentially make in terms of capacitating the Philippines, as a sovereign state, to protect and defend its territorial integrity. Through strength and arms, a man “keepeth his palace (and) his goods are in peace” (Luke 11:21 KJV). The inclusion of clear provisions stating that the United States shall ““not establish a permanent military presence or base in the Philippines; that, US access to and use of designated areas in AFP owned and controlled facilities will be at the invitation of the Philippine government; that, in all things, there will be strict compliance with the Philippine Constitution, laws and jurisprudence,” is also commended. The inclusion of provisions for “humanitarian assistance and disaster relief” merits particular citation, as it underscores the importance that the incumbent Administration places on the well-being of Filipinos, especially those who fall victims to natural and man-made disasters, both of which the Philippines experience frequently. However, the inclusion of provisions on strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for external defense and maritime security may be subject to further and deeper contemplation and consideration, especially if these were included in response to China’s increasingly aggressive moves in the South China Sea/ West Philippines Sea. The Bible offers useful insights that our national leaders would do well to heed to manage China’s assertions. (W)hat king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. - Luke 14:31-33 NKJV Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him… - Matt 5:25 NKJV Rush not forth soon to quarrel [before magistrates or elsewhere], lest you know not what to do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame. Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not anothers secret, Lest he who hears you revile you and bring shame upon you and your ill repute have no end. - Proverbs 25:8-10 AMP Purposes and plans are established by counsel; and [only] with good advice make or carry on war. - Proverbs 20:18 AMP In view of the above Biblical principles, I suggest the following proposal: Deal and negotiate with China directly as one sovereign nation to another. If it must take the President to do it, then let us do it, for the sake of our nation. While war is a “great way off,” the Bible says, “send a delegation and ask conditions of peace. “Rush not soon to quarrel.” “Argue your cause with your neighbor himself.” “Agree with your adversary quickly.” “Purposes and plans are established by counsel.” Exhaust all means to come to terms. Find the right delegation to send. Maybe it is time to seek the help of the influential Filipino-Chinese themselves. Maybe it is time to set aside petty political issues that fill the media every day and have our branches of government sit down and seriously talk about the conditions of peace with China. “Seek peace, and pursue it,” the Bible says. It is my personal opinion that an EDCA with specific provisions on strengthening external defense and maritime security will only invite further disagreement with China. The EDCA document may be silent on the China matter, but that specific provision cries loud against the ears of the Chinese leadership so that they do not hear our call for the “conditions of peace.” Do we actually need an EDCA with specific provision on maritime security in our hands before we negotiate with China? Does US actually need a formal agreement to come to the aid of an aggrieved friend? Will all the nations of the world keep silent if we hold our heads high as a sovereign nation to negotiate without fear? Or they will applaud our valor and rise to our defense? Taking action consistent with God’s Word should not be a cause for fear. Rather, it should be a reason for boldness, for if “God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b KJV). To neglect God and His will is to refuse every good and perfect gift from the Father of lights. We can stand our ground if we take heed. God will not leave us alone. The Psalmist declares: Ps 11 1 In the Lord I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2 For look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do? 4 The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lords throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. 5 The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. 6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals; Fire and brimstone and a burning wind Shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright. NKJV
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 07:27:29 +0000
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