[asia-apec 1002] Estrada's pronouncements on Spratlys row only serves the US

[BAYAN]

12 January 1999

Estrada's pronouncements on Spratlys row only serves the US

BAYAN (New Patriotic Alliance) today said President Estrada's
pronouncements defending U.S. meddling in the Spratlys is not helping the
country to diplomatically and peacefully settle its territorial dispute
with China.

The alliance said it only serves the interest of the U.S. which is seeking
wider acceptance among governments in its plan to establish stronger
military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and push for the immediate
ratification
of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)between the US and Philippine
governments.

"Estrada's recent pronouncement does not reflect the interest of the
people.  It is unfortunate that in his desire to please his colonial
master, Estrada has further strained our relationship with China and put
the country at risk," said Bayan Chairperson Rafael Mariano.

"We see that Estrada's move perfectly fits U.S. security plans in the
region," he added.  "The U.S. wants measures that would justify its
intention to have a stronger presence in the region and they have to be
done in a manner that appears 'acceptable'."

Bayan said the government is creating unnecessary hype over the Spratlys
row to create a pressing and urgent need for the VFA.  "They could have
settled it with China quietly, diplomatically and bilaterally, without the
U.S.," stressed Mariano.

By citing the Mutual Defense Treaty as justification for U.S. meddling, the
alliance said, Estrada legitimized the U.S. immediate and long-term plans.
But Bayan said the U.S. has no right to assume the role of Big Brother or
global police.

Bayan also said that it is ironic that Estrada is citing the MDT when the
U.S. has categorically  stated that it does not recognize Philippine claim
over Spratlys.  Further, that the MDT, an obsolete agreement of the
post-Cold War era, does not guarantee US protection of Philippine territory
in case of external threats or even attack. Instead, the Philippines is
being dragged into US militarist and interventionist adventures.###