I mean, think about it. Filipinos worship virtually everything American. They follow American showbiz, American sport (NBA in particular), mimic American accents, and bicker socially and politically, in a manner similar to Americans. Filipinos copied the American style of government and the concept of democracy wholesale. Filipinos are using (but hardly maintaining) what remains of American infrastructure that was built before and after the second World War. Filipinos also copied American consumerism.
Filipinos want the American Joe to take them away from their self-inflicted wretchedness. Filipinos flock to the United States in hopes of achieving a better life for themselves and their families. So, why not just bring America here by becoming a state of the Union? We’re virtually a US state in everything but name anyway.
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Why bring this up now, in light of the recently concluded presidential elections in the United States? Filipinos also stayed glued to their TV’s and social media to follow their election blow-by-blow, by the way. Well, Puerto Rico, an unincorporated US territory, has just undergone a two-part referendum. The first part asks the citizens whether they want the relationship with the US to change. The second part gives those who said yes three options: statehood, sovereign free association (which allows more autonomy), and independence. Statehood garnered the most votes by 61 percent. Now that’s what you call voted by the majority; compare that with the measly 40-42 percent of the popular vote BS Aquino gathered which he and his flunkies packaged as an “overwhelming majority” and a “mandate of the people”.
Why don’t we admit this to ourselves: despite what the chattering classes say about how America’s well-being affects the rest of the world, or how concerned they are about how the leader of the only remaining superpower in the world will approach foreign relations, etc., there are actually more practical underlying reasons why Filipinos are fixated on things American, especially the recently concluded elections. I summarized these in a comment of mine on that very same article:
National defense – Filipinos need US military intervention in their neck of the woods, even if they will not admit it or say otherwise in public. The Philippine army appears utterly incapable of defending our territories from external threats. Hell, they can’t even quell internal threats that well, and without incurring huge troop losses!
The US Dollar – Philippine Peso exchange rate – It’s not hard to guess that Filipinos prefer a high exchange rate, say something to the tune of 50-60 pesos to the dollar. They would rather have it that the money that stateside kababayans send home will be worth more here. Apart from that, there are Filipinos who have sidelines involving businesses or people in the US, so they’ll get paid in dollars. Naturally, they want more bang for their buck.
Besides, people carry US dollars simply because it’s a reference currency in the international monetary system.
The flow of US goods to the palamunins (freeloaders) back home – Imagine if America, for some reason or another, suddenly became tighter on immigration and admission of foreign nationals into American territories. Filipinos will find it harder to send and obtain sustento from the land of the “free”, the land of milk and honey.
Bottom line is that Filipinos want to make sure that the leech stays firmly attached to the host. Where the master goes, the spoiled brat dog with the outstretched tongue will follow.
Admission to the Union presents a solution to the three concerns above.
By becoming a state, US bases are virtually guaranteed here. Naturally, the federal government needs to help the state defend its territory from all threats. Our geographical position in south-east Asia also affords the US one of the best positions to keep tabs on its chief economic rival, China. It also affords them a chance to follow leads into terrorist groups alleged to have links within the Philippines. Can you imagine how good the Americans will have it here in terms of gathering intelligence?
As a state, the Philippines will now use the US Dollar as its official currency. No more worrying over converting to the peso and deeming it worthless. No more considering US goods expensive because now we’ll gain even better access to them. The sustento will come much easier, and cheaper. The palamunins will have their fill of US goods up to their eyeballs. No more having to suffer endless lines and failed interviews for that much coveted blue passport; everyone in the Philippines will have one. No more wishing for the locals that the white American will come to their shores either; they will come, if only to initially satisfy their curiosity about this potential newest entry into the Union. Whether they stay long-term or not, is entirely up to us.
I very much doubt, though, that this will go over easy with local politicians and oligarchs. They pretty much want the whole pie of influence over the Philippine scene kept to themselves. I warrant a guess that American politicians and businesses, when they come over here after we’re admitted into the Union, have a bigger and better chance of running the Philippines better and in the interest of the people then those oligarchs ever will.
The road to statehood isn’t that simple, though. Concurrent with conducting a referendum on becoming a state of the Union is conducting a referendum on whether Visayas and Mindanao want to remain part of the Philippines if it is admitted. After all, BS Aquino has shown that he is all too willing to give away parts of the Mindanao and ARMM to the Moro Islamic Liberation front; perhaps other regions have an equal claim to self-rule too. The unitary central government in Imperial Manila appears little concerned about Visayas and Mindanao anyway, except come election time and when there are prominent sycophants from those regions. They seem perfectly capable of governing themselves even without much intervention from Imperial Manila; the question is do they want to secede from an entity that is looking more and more like a failed state with each passing day? However, I don’t see it making logical sense for Cordillera, a landlocked region, to exclude itself from the rest of Luzon should they decide to become a state of the Union. Sorry guys, you’re going to have to come with us.
Add to that the deliberations and discussions that the US Congress will have to go through with this, and I say that the road looks bumpier and bleaker than ever.
There’s a question that needs to be asked: what would be the benefit to the Union to admit us? Well, as I mentioned above, the federal government will be able to have a bird’s eye view of what’s happening around Asia, especially China. They’ll also have better access to information about anti-US groups with alleged links in the region; that is, if they can manage their sources. They will also have access to the abundant natural resources present in the islands; perhaps they’ll take better care of them too than what Filipinos have done. Let’s not neglect to mention that with our large and ever-growing population, I’m guessing that the Philippines will become a heavily contested state come election time. I’m pretty sure we have a bigger population than California, even without Visayas and Mindanao. If California is worth 55 electoral votes, the most among all the states, imagine how many the Philippines will be worth.
To our American expatriate friends, you may find this sort of discussion of the Philippines considering becoming a state of the Union appalling. Let me make it clear that this whole thing is more of a thought exercise than an actual call for Filipinos to consider admission into the Union. No doubt quite a few of you preferred to settle here to escape whatever it is you didn’t like about American society. However, I’m pretty sure many of you were shocked/surprised to find out that Filipinos act like mini-me Americans; it’s as if you never left. Besides, with things as they are here, this won’t happen anytime soon. You’ve got to admit though, this thought exercise was fun!
As for us Filipinos, well, we’ll just have to keep dreaming. We want a better future for ourselves? Stop voting in incompetent and undeserving officials. Stop acting like a victim. Stop blaming everyone else but yourselves for wrong decisions. Stop propagating the palamunin culture. Stop putting your self-interests above the common good. Stop the culture of crab mentality and bad pakikisama Stop acting like onion-skinned crybabies with big egos. Stop demanding respect and start earning it. Stop the culture of mistrust.
We should strive for a Philippines that can stand on its own but better integrated into the international community. Once the Philippines can stand on its own two feet, we have a reason to be truly proud of ourselves.
[Photo courtesy: US Observer]
А вы, друзья, как ни садитесь, все в музыканты не годитесь. – But you, my friends, however you sit, not all as musicians fit.
I’m a bit tepid about US statehood for the Philippine Islands; a more realistic process would be having parts of the nation becoming unincorporated territories, sort of like Guam or the Northern Marianas.
Also, having the entire Philippines as a US state at this point in time would be a logistical nightmare, considering our current population (100 million people; that’s probably around 120 electoral ballots which would often go Republican) and the long-term repercussions of the Great Recession.
In the statehood scenario, what I could see is certain portions of the islands re-admitted to Commonwealth status (maybe the Visayan Islands, since the population and poverty there isn’t as nightmarish as Luzon). Cordillera and Bangsamoro would form independent states. The only “Philippines” that would actually exist as a sovereign nation would be Manila and the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions due to the homogeneity of the culture prevalent there.
Or, we could always go for two realistic scenarios feasible for the Philippines in the near future: a constitutional revision that turns our government into a federal system (that makes dynasties more meaningful), or straight-out balkanization.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/MidwayHaven/usph.jpg[/img]
Oops, sorry about that. I was supposed to present an image, but I think I got the codes wrong.
No thank you. We already have enough people in America on Welfare. Think about it. If Filipinos were suddenly given access to the US Welfare system, who would want to work? The folks in America that are getting somewhere around 40 grand a year in assistance have it pretty good. Filipinos would think they died and went to heaven. But just saying, yeah I have no problems with Philippine Statehood. This country has so much potential it is staggering. Alas the powers that be won’t let that happen as they prefer Juan to be their slave.
Bill,
If by some fluke this pipe dream actually happens, you ought to run for governor. And when you win, your first act as head of state ought to be seceding from the union. 😉
Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona are considering this as we speak, with Wyoming expected to get on board also.
I’m sympathetic to Arizona and Texas. The liberal pricks in Washington and California have done nothing to control the invasion of drug dealing gangsters from across the river. In fact I heard about a program out of Berkeley that provides assistance in the form of food, water and GPS devices and cellular phones to people crossing the desert. Supposedly for pure humanitarian reasons. To my mind if you assist any group whose main export into your country is drugs and violence, it isn’t a humanitarian gesture, its treason.
Yeah I agree, but back home the folks have gone slap crazy.
Seems to me a lot of them need a slap upside the head…
I hope this thought exercise of yours just keeps being as it is, an exercise. Becoming a state of the U.S. is a very bad idea since they are demolishing their constitution and that you don’t want especially those drone strikes that they are willing to use on American citizens.
Being a state doesn’t mean you can vote also.
We should just stick to what we have right now and work to make things better by striving to become smarter entrepreneurs until we can be really independent. Our country may not be good right now but by joining the U.S. it will make sure that we don’t get anywhere. It is a country in decline and we don’t need that.
An even better scenario is if China decides to occupy and incorporate the islands into their territory. No doubt they’ll make the poor bums work in their sweatshops and have foreign investment revive again, turning it into a second Hong Kong.
Of course, this wouldn’t fly either because of the Filipinos obsessive love of all things Western and democratic.
@FA,
It has been tried before by presidential candidate Cabangbang for Philippine’s statehood (51st state)if he’s elected president. He has more than 50% membership of voters for his program but has garnered only 3% vote during that presidential election against the incumbent Marcos.
It is more convenient really for the US to keep as a semi-colony, so basically we’re friends with benefits with the US but without the hassle of being committed.
Thats kind of a one way proposition, don’t you think. The American people would not go for that in a thousand years. We already have enough ” I, Mes” in America.
I liked this idea of being a state of the US, and I still like it now. I agree it would be beneficial. Too bad Manuel Quezon doused the flames on this one. Just remember the infamous, perhaps careless words: “I would rather see the Philippines run like hell by Filipinos than run like heaven by Americans!” That was pride seizing the tongue and making it careless.
Go to the US and be part of their sinking Economy.
Are you suggesting the Philippine economy is thriving? I live in lapu lapu and I see much poverty.
Most of the people in Puerto Rico said, Yes!
The idea is absurd.
From a practical standpoint the US would not even begin to consider it. Bill Steffen touched on it already. You have over 300 million in the US now. Annexing the Philippines will add approximately 100 million more mouths to feed. Something akin to German unification circa 1989-1991. In the 1980’s West Germany was a high-flying economic miracle. People actually asked the question “Can Germany afford to pay its workforce NOT to work?” At least part of the week anyway. That’s how much money was coming into Germany.
Then the Berlin Wall came down and with it came an influx of East European immigrants hoping to snatch a piece of the West German success story. The result — skyrocketing poverty, overextended public services, growing social conflict, and an economic malaise that brought the German juggernaut to a grinding halt.
Why would America pursue this kind of mess? The current administration can hardly keep the US from falling off the proverbial “fiscal cliff.”
Conversely, why the hell would Filipinos want to be integrated into the union, when it will likely prove to be more trouble than its worth?
As of October 2012, Philippine gross international reserves totaled some $82 billion. Loosely translated that means the Philippines can cover expenses and debt payments for the next year or so. In other words, while we may not be making any money, the Philippines is actually in the black. Moreover it tells our creditors the Philippines is a good risk that can cover its borrowings.
Becoming part of the US also entails inheriting its obligations. Something you conveniently failed to mention. As US citizens, Filipinos have the privilege of assuming part of the massive $16 Trillion debt that the Obama administration has rung up. Mostly to China. So the idea is to put us back into debt at a time we have started making money and improved our credit rating? Where’s the logic in that?
Oldtimer Filipinos living here in the U.S.; will tell what happened to Filipinos; who came in the U.S., during the CommonWealth era. When we were part of the U.S. They flocked to the U.S. Like the Mexicans are doing now, by climbing the U.S.-Mexico border fence, in order to find menial jobs. They toiled in the vegetable fields in California. They got discriminated in pay, and of the color of their skins. Most have no jobs, and they went to the bread lines, just to eat for the day. It was time of economic depression in the U.S. The Governor of the State is the one responsible for the economic policies of a U.S. State. Not the President of the U.S.
The States of Colorado and Washington just voted to legalize Marijuana. If the Federal Government says No to this it will step in with arrests and prosecutions, No matter what the Governor says. The states have no rights anymore. The Federal Government has usurped their Authority.
I have an option….maybe the Provincial areas should be allowed to operate like states which will be more self sufficient in their government, economies and so forth and put more responsibilities on those Provinces and it’s people rather than the National Government which at times seems so remote, out of touch and far away and in reality can’t be the answer to all problems! Just a thought!
Also, I read so much about folks in this culture having something or someone to believe in…..bottom line I believe is you got believe in ones self! Folks have to take and accept action in, responsibility and accountability for their own lives, destinies and futures, and less dependent on the government, celebrities, power brokers, family dynasties, fad’s, gurus or whatever it is that seems to be the latest greatest person or thing they are giving their attention to and placing their hopes and dreams in. A person or thing isn’t necessarily going to do it, what might is folks taking responsibility for themselves and taking action to change what they can in their own lives right where they are, which is where all change must begin, like a pebble thrown int the middle of a pond it will have a ripple effect to their own households, communities, cities, provinces, Nation and the planet they live on but it must begin with the individual and no one can do it for you, it begins with each one of us!
So rather than staying crippled by the past, stifled and even at times being imprisoned by apathy, indifference, and hopelessness, looking outside of ones self continually for someone or some thing to solve life’s problems or to distract one’s mind from the responsibilities and accountability that each one of us has to ourselves in creating the quality of life that we may want in our lives, do something about it, we each have the awesome potential and capability to within us every moment we are alive though many often fail to see it and believe in it. No doubt life is not easy, most certainly there will be obstacles, road-blocks, difficulties, there will be what seem to be trials and tribulations, there will be sacrifices to be made personally, yet it is the courage, strength, faith, hope and belief in self and the enormous and awesome capabilities that as human beings we each have within us to overcome huge and unimaginable adversity in all sorts of ways and forms. I believe one has to look within, inside their heart, soul, and mind and find that courage, strength, determination, hope and faith to forge out ones life, to learn, grow, embrace change, to forge out our on destinies and legacies which will all be significant in one way or another, never ever feel you are insignificant or that you do not matter or that you can not make a difference cause you are and you can! It has to begin with each individual young and old alike and it has to begin NOW, we never know how long we will be upon this earth so make every moment count, make you life count in the best ways possible because in one way or another you will have touched the lives of others and left your mark in some way, form or fashion upon this earth!
You’re right there, individuals need to step up and make sacrifices not just for one’s self but for the many. People put so much effort in to pleasing themselves rather than make for collective efforts to please everyone. All it takes is for the idea to spread like contagion, I guess education is really key. Too bad the administration just cut billions from the budget for SUCs.
I have not decided yet. A wish list I would like to see for our country:
1. The creation of an Anti-Dictatorship Law in the Republic of the Philippines. This should include mandatory psychiatric testing and evaluation of all our candidates in the national level and local governments. Such proven psychiatric illness in public office shall be a ground for removal of any elected or appointed official.
2. The end of oligarch control of traditional politicians, political dynasties and business monopolies. This includes the creation of penal laws punishing acts of political expediency, opportunism and circuses.
3. Government and private sector support towards increasing the literacy rate of the population. Our people should be able to think for themselves, be responsible even in answering the call of peaceable assembly to address grievances. I have yet to see actual citizen response on defective or non-consulted policies that are destructive to the country and its territorial integrity.
4. Genuine and effective government policies, plans and programs in addressing the insurgency and secessionist problems. The continuing problems of the communist insurgency supported by their Legal Support Fronts, the Islamofascist secessionist movements are a foolish sham and give all the advantages to the enemies of the state. I would like to see the Tamil Tigers experience repeated in this part of the world along with development programs that would truly lead to a principled peace with honor.
5. An expanded US/RP MDT that allows the US to directly intervene in combat operations within Philippine territory in defense of the Republic of the Philippines. This would include basing rights with the US constructing infrastructure that can be mutually used by both countries in the event of a real conflict emergency.
6. An expanded US defense package of military aid, development, logistics and support in developing the AFP as a partner of Mutual Defense.
7. An expanded US/free world partnership for increased investments in the Republic of the Philippines with appropriate amendments to the Philippine Constitution. The streamlining and re-engineering of work process, procedures in investments.
There have been a lot of comments here waxing philosophical about self-sacrifice and believing in oneself and blah-blah-blah. And there have been comments about how Filipinos should pass a law for this concern and that grievance and how oligarchies should be dismantled and on and on and on….
Hovering in the background of all these posts is the commentators’ desire to find some way to facilitate American management over Filipino affairs.
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?
The Philippines isn’t a protectorate or colony of the US. But apparently the thinking is still stuck in what Erap Estrada calls the “mental colony.” If your frustration is with the state of affairs in the Philippines, this forum ought to be a means of formulating solutions not just pointless bitching and moaning.
What can we do to solve the problem called “the Filipino?” The answers are actually already out there. And in this, the American experience CAN help.
Ken needs something to believe in. What we really need is to stop looking for that “special someone” to do what is crucial in times of important decision making. DO IT YOURSELF. The decisions aren’t very hard to make. America’s founding fathers were aware of this. Their system is based on the principle that one person shouldn’t be the focus of the world and that other people may have equally valid belief systems. And that each of these have their place under the sun.
American democracy may appear cumbersome and overly antagonistic to outsiders (Bill Steffen will probably agree that it can be maddeningly frustrating on the inside) but it allows all views to be aired and debated. The critical part is that while each person acknowledges their own self-interest, ALL parties recognize the need to COMPROMISE. ALL parties recognize that working together as a whole the nation is stronger. This behavior cannot be legislated, but a framework for it must be made to work. It doesn’t have to be limited to government. Individually, if you want to change the way people behave in this country, start by doing this — be the bigger man. Work toward compromise with your business partners and rivals, your co-workers, friends, wherever there needs to be a group decision. Practice it there. America recognized early on that one cannot expect everyone to believe in the same thing but self-interest will allow disparate groups to come to terms. Filipinos need to understand this.
Ken and Thomas Jefferson want to BE ALLOWED to be more independent of the national government and ask that government agencies should be more responsive to the people’s needs. I say the solution is to keep government out of the people’s business. Most of the posts on this blog reflect the commentators’ frustration with government. They have proven themselves highly incompetent and thoroughly incapable of fulfilling their mandate. Logically, the less government intervention, the better. So whatever endeavor you undertake, make sure to meet the minimum government standard and be sure to follow highest standards set by the industry. This will ensure that you can never be hauled in front of a judge to answer to code violations. Also, it will give you ample ammunition when rivals colluding with corrupt government functionaries attempt to destroy your business. Also having a little bribe money ready doesn’t hurt (We live in Asia; its not an exception, its mandatory to give and receive “gifts”).
We don’t need more legislation. There are thousands of laws that cover practically all aspects of of life in the Philippines. Even those where simple common sense should suffice. As a result people are hindered rather than assisted. Solution — use common sense where you can. Your more likely to have an outcome beneficial to you.
One of the few areas where I would allow big government participation is NATIONAL SECURITY. Some things will require an agency bigger than any one province or security agency. I would recognize a distinct (ethnic) group’s right to self-determination, to promote their own unique interests. I do not condone any organization that actively seeks to commit violence against other equally legitimate groups of people. I would support military action to address the problem of armed insurrection as this is first and foremost a peace and order problem. Whatever grievance one group has against the the national government does not justify endangering and even murdering the rest of the populace. In this case we will need a large enough agency — the national government — to handle things that are too large for anything else. Personally though, I wouldn’t mind having a bit of personal protection for my own safety.
Going further, why should our national defense dependent on the US? I mentioned previously mentioned we apparently have enough money for maintaining the government and paying off debts. We should look to expanding our own military capabilities completely divorced from the idea that there will be a US warship parked outside Manila Bay if war erupts with China. I would have brokered a deal with Viktor Bout to supply our military with new materiel; not the second-hand shit the US dumps on us.
And do you really think that in a local crisis the US congress will be scrambling to pass a bill that sends its Pacific fleet specifically to aid the Philippines? The fact that the US government has never bothered to pay its Filipino soldiers in World War II should make you stop and think if you can rely on ANY military agreement with the US. What can individuals do? At the very least, think about scenarios where you, as an individual, may have to personally defend yourself and your family in a conflict with a foreign invader without foreign assistance. And plan for an escape.
With regards to trade — THE US ISN’T THE ONLY MARKET IN THE WORLD. Granting that they have a huge market, Philippine economic policy does not have to revolve around how many bananas we can sell to America. I’ve said before that Philippines has “most favored nation” status in the US. Which means absolutely nothing. Other nations not on the list do better trade with the US than we do. We’ve got to develop markets in other areas of the world or become more creative in trading with the US. How about this — the recent elections also approved the legalization of marijuana in certain states of the union, particularly Washington and Colorado. The Philippines grows some very good weed in the Mountain Province. This could be the next top export. We could also export to the Netherlands. It may be legal here in the Philippines but growing it for another country where it is legal may be something to explore. If it does push through — we’ll need to beef up our military as that industry will be in direct conflict with Mexican drug cartels.
That bit about oligarchies? These aren’t intrinsically “evil.” We need some form of succession to ensure that ideas and policies are continued, especially the good ones. As it stands in today’s climate every time an elected official takes over from an another administration his first instinct is to completely eradicate the previous leader’s work and start from scratch. This institutional malaise is responsible for retarding our growth politically, socially and economically. I am appalled when I think of how many useful projects developed under the Marcos dictatorship were killed off by the stupidity of Cory Aquino. Not because they were wrong, but because they were associated with someone the Aquinos despised. True to form, the stupid gene is working overtime in BS AQuino. He’s spent the better part of 2 years antagonizing his enemies and intimidating the public into accepting half-baked schemes. And we have over three years left to endure this hell.
This isn’t the end of it. I don’t profess to have all the answers. You are welcome to add your own and tell me where I got it wrong.
@Johnny S
I’ll just nit picked 20% of your comment and let this takes care of the remaining 80% of it.
According to you –
“Going further, why should our national defense dependent on the US?”
This has been he case and we have no problems with it. It’s a mutual agreement with US of A. Just like what they have in Japan and South Korea. Why would us be a special case.
This Spratly issue, do you think this will be an issue if the US Seventh Fleet is still around in that area? We kicked them out if you can still recall it.
“We should look to expanding our own military capabilities completely divorced from the idea that there will be a US warship parked outside Manila Bay if war erupts with China.”
May I ask you, if we have to defend our shores and air from China’s intrusion, how much do you think we have to spend for our military defense?
Take note that China has already their own aircraft carrier.
“With regards to trade — THE US ISN’T THE ONLY MARKET IN THE WORLD. Granting that they have a huge market, Philippine economic policy does not have to revolve around how many bananas we can sell to America. I’ve said before that Philippines has “most favored nation†status in the US. Which means absolutely nothing. Other nations not on the list do better trade with the US than we do. We’ve got to develop markets in other areas of the world or become more creative in trading with the US.”
You still think that banana is our primary export, heh…
So,what countries can you suggest where we can export our primary products aside from United States, Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Germany, Taiwan, and Thailand?
Talk is cheap.
Apparently sarcasm doesn’t convey well in my writing.
And I made a mistake in assuming that everyone is familiar with the nature of the mutual defense treaty.
Okay, here we go. Let’s see if I still remember what I learned in high school Philippine history.
The Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) contains, I believe, 7-8 articles that specify that both nations would support each other should there be an attack on either from an external source. The language states that this “support action” will be IN ACCORDANCE WITH EACH COUNTRY’S CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESSES. This provision is the key. Furthermore, the MDT states that the issue of the attack and any action taken by either the US or the Philippines should be taken up with the United Nations Security Council for resolution. (Please note that recent events show the UN Security Council to be DOMINATED by China and Russia.)
The US constitutional process requires a declaration of war to be decided by congress. Unless there is an immediate threat to American interests or American lives, the president of the US cannot unilaterally order elements of their Pacific command to fire on Philippine enemies until a decision is made by (at the very least) the appropriate committees in the House and Senate. The US military operates under the same rules of engagement.
What this means in practical terms is that if an invading Chinese force decided to attack the Philippines, whether or not US bases are present, they could completely overwhelm the country long before the UN finishes debating the issue and the US begins to formulate a strategy for repelling the invading force. By the time the UN comes around to doing its impotent peacekeeping and observation routine, we might have Chinese companies, their proxies and subsidiaries, buying up every square meter of land in the archipelago and transporting whole populations into the islands to take up residence. And they will have erected massive rigs to start extracting the billions of barrels in oil and natural gas estimated to be under the Spratlys.
That brings up Trosp’s point: Would the Chinese invade the Philippines if the Americans had a presence in the region?
If you bothered to do a little checking, the US 7th Fleet IS DEPLOYED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. At any given time, even operating out of Japan and Guam, US forces are approximately 1-2 weeks from any possible conflict area in the region. Ships on deployment make regular stops in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and yes, even the Philippines that kicked them out.
Even with the US 7th Fleet still a very prominent presence in South East Asia, China maintains a belligerent attitude towards its neighbors. It has disputes with Japan, Vietnam Thailand, the Philippines and anybody who has claims in the Spratlys. North Korea has moved forward with its nuclear weapons program. Muslim pirates still run rampant in the Straits of Malacca. US presence is NOT the deterrent that Trosp claims it is.
This comes from the understanding that China and North Korea realized long ago. AMERICA IS WEAK. It’s leaders no longer have the will to lead in the modern world. It has grown steadily weaker since the aftermath of World War II. It is probably at its weakest under President Obama. He has stated as his official position that he would defer to the UN for conflict resolution and that under no circumstances would he use nuclear weapons. A compunction which neither China nor North Korea share. Which means that when push comes to shove, America can expect the bombs to fall first and their president to negotiate a surrender before they begin to think of a response. As a result, China presses its agenda with no fear of reprisal; North Korea threatens to burn the Korean peninsula; Muslim extremists continue to recruit and train in Mindanao, Indonesia and Malaysia. THEY DO NOT FEAR THE US.
Trosp also points out that we would be incapable of fending off an attack from China’s military machine. It is stupid to assume that our current military or any military program that we might adopt in the immediate future will be capable of preventing the Chinese from landing. This is a moot point. Thanks to decades of stagnation in policy (relying, as Trosp prefers, on US largesse) the Philippines is woefully behind its neighbors in terms of defense and military development. On paper, even the US military is incapable of matching China’s armed forces. Chinese military personnel outnumber US military 2 to 1. This further bolsters the argument that the US will be thinking twice against committing its troops in the event of a Chinese attack. The Philippine military itself admits that in the event of an invasion, their strategy is to make the Philippines as unwelcoming as possible through unconventional warfare and hit-and-run guerrilla tactics. Like it or not this is where we stand militarily.
If the attack does not happen in the near future the Philippines should develop its armed forces — especially the Navy and Marines — with the perspective of facing immediate threats such as piracy and water-borne criminal elements. That means frigates and destroyers that can maneuver in the inter-island waterways. As well as landing craft and helicopters.
Going back to the MDT — the approach I mention above is actually a provision in the agreement. Both parties are encouraged to develop their abilities and resources to resist external threats. Which means we should be developing weapons systems on our own. Like other countries with whom the US has military agreements. Trosp mentions South Korea. Koreans have a very robust defense industry. They produce their own small arms and assault rifles as well as weapons platforms — air defense and missile systems, radar systems, aircraft, armored fighting vehicles, tanks, artillery, etc. They do not have aircraft carriers but they have a self-sufficient domestic defense industry as well as something like $2-3 billion in export sales. A far cry from the 1960’s when South Korea relied completely on US military aid and equipment. (An arrangement Trosp wants to maintain in the Philippines.) Korea estimates an eventual growth to $10 billion in export sales by the next decade.
What about the other MDT countries? They are each unique in their own right quite the opposite of Trosp’s thesis. Singapore has military agreements with the US. Like South Korea they have a robust defense industry. They export armored fighting vehicles and sub-machine guns to the US and Canada. Japan cannot exactly cooperate in its defense the way South Korea can. By law — as per agreement with the US and the rest of the world — it is not allowed to maintain an offensive force. A consequence of losing World War II. Japan prefers waging its wars in the economic arena not on the battlefield.
All this discussion of our neighbors’ military industries brings up the other point Trosp touched on. Alternative industries. Since the 1980’s we the Philippines has been designated as a newly industrialized nation. That we have not moved forward while our neighbors have surpassed us should at least suggest that our current economic strategies focusing on traditional industries, such as agriculture, textiles and labor exports, are ineffectual.
If the Philippines followed the letter of the MDT, we might have a money-making domestic defense industry by now. We certainly have capable human resources in the Visayas. Gunsmiths from Danao City are hired by criminal organizations in Japan to produce weaponry. This is potentially a highly profitable endeavor if properly cultivated.
Other industries? I’ll cite examples from information technology as that is my industry and the human resource export business. We are wasting money by focusing primarily on the construction of call centers and BPO facilities. Once the CRM campaigns are gone and more autonomous, self-repairing systems come online, there will be no need for large scale call center facilities. And no one has really addressed the possibility of all these companies moving to cheaper contracts with China as their English proficiency makes them sound more Southern Californian than Shanghai natives.
We should instead be cultivating our people’s creativity and entrepreneurship. This is not unprecedented. Filipino entrepreneurs have proven that given the right circumstances, we will excel. TSIKA.com paved the way for PC-mobile phone communication technology that everyone from Google to Yahoo uses. Engineer/Scientist Diosdado P. Banatao founded S3 Graphics and set the standard for accelerated graphics in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. He sits on the board of several tech companies, each worth several million dollars. Our government should not be focused on raising money by exporting our human capital. Doing so only retards human development and promotes social inequality. It causes destabilization by keeping a significant portion of the population impoverished. That’s ironic, since the Internet age we live in is the most egalitarian one in history. We should take advantage of it.
@J. Saint
You’ve commented –
“If you bothered to do a little checking, the US 7th Fleet IS DEPLOYED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. At any given time, even operating out of Japan and Guam, US forces are approximately 1-2 weeks from any possible conflict area in the region. Ships on deployment make regular stops in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and yes, even the Philippines that kicked them out.”
Maybe you must check how the Midway and Enterprise entered the Philippine sea during the coup de etat against the Cory Aquino regime. Check how fast they have reacted.
http://www.history.navy.mil/pubs/Ready%20Seapower_A%20History%20of%20the%20US%207th%20Fleet.pdf
Check page 100.
Are we comparing the failed Enrile coup to an invasion by the People’s Liberation Army? They aren’t even in the same universe.
I think you’re missing the point. The question isn’t whether or not the US has the capability to retaliate. The question is whether or not it would do so in the face of aggression from a nuclear power. Their action 20 years ago cannot compare to the current geopolitical situation. Given the policies of the Clinton and Obama presidencies, I submit that we cannot place blind faith in immediate military support from the US. (Obama could not even protect his ambassador) As such it behooves us to devlop our own defense capability independent of the United States as provided by the MDT.
You got that right Johnny. If you think for a minute that Obama will turn on his Commie buddies, you better think again. Unicorns poop skittles and pee kool aid too.
@J. Saint
“Are we comparing the failed Enrile coup to an invasion by the People’s Liberation Army? They aren’t even in the same universe.”
My rejoinder is about your comment –
“If you bothered to do a little checking, the US 7th Fleet IS DEPLOYED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. At any given time, even operating out of Japan and Guam, US forces are approximately 1-2 weeks from any possible conflict area in the region.”
Meaning, it’s not correct that I didn’t do a little checking and to also explain to you that it is not true that US forces (we’re discussing 7th Fleet) are approximately 1-2 weeks from any possible conflict area in the region (Philippines).
So who’s missing the point here?
We can have a separate discussion later on on failed Enrile coup or invasion of People’s Liberation Army later on. That will be a separate issue.
BTW, I don’t even know where you based most of your speculations.
Well, of course, you’re just expressing your opinion.
You are still incapable of simple comprehension.
Definition of CONCLUSION — A judgment or decision reached after deliberation.
The data regarding the US 7th Fleet deployment are just that — part of the body of facts used to formulate the CONCLUSION. This is not the conclusion itself.
I’ll point it out again.
I have always acknowledged that the US is capable of responding to a destabilizing threat in Southeast Asia. I NEVER implied that they have left the region. This threat is likely to originate from Chinese diplomatic and military aggression. That is not the issue. The conclusion I drew is that we cannot place blind faith in the United States to intervene in the event of Chinese adventurism in the South China Sea. Whether this leads to an actual military confrontation or not what it is a fact that over the last 2-4 years, China has asserted itself economically, diplomatically and militarily and this behavior has increased regional tensions.
Obama’s administration in contrast, has pursued dialogue and appeasement with Beijing in the hopes of reaching common ground while overlooking human rights abuses, the theft of US intellectual property and their support of a nuclear North Korea. Couple that with Obama’s decision to cut US defense spending, including specific plans to reduce the US Navy, and the ongoing financial crisis, Chinese officials seem to have come to their own conclusion that the America is in decline, unable to meet its global commitments and obligations. China’s assertive behavior suggests that they believe the weakness of the US is something to be exploited. Thus far, they have been successful.
Obama’s inconsistent and sometimes confusing policies do not inspire confidence among the targets of Chinese aggression in this part of the world. His focus on US domestic issues is the problem. It forces us to question whether the he understands foreign relations and/or world politics at all.
I submit Obama does not have a proper handle on international politics and this comes at a critical time in history. And for as long as he remains in power, we will continue living with an ever looming Chinese shadow across East Asia. And we will never be sure that the US will commit to a conflict that may pit them against a nation they consider their “strategic partner” in the region. That is the reason I advocate the development of a Philippine military resources as well as a domestic defense industry with the goal of making them independent from foreign military aid.
Are we all clear now?
BTW, Wikipedia isn’t the only source of information on the web. I stated in my previous post that the information I cited was from various US Navy sites, and these have the exact same passage.
And you are still basing your opinion on conditions from 23 years ago, involving a different kind of threat (one without nuclear capability), under a different US president and a different economy. However, we are still dealing with the same stupid Aquino family.
I gotta say it Johnny…… You hit the nail right on the head.
@J. Saint
Let’s arrange our comments in its proper chronological arrangement and context.
JS: Going further, why should our national defense dependent on the US?
Trosp: This has been he case and we have no problems with it. It’s a mutual agreement with US of A. Just like what they have in Japan and South Korea. Why would us be a special case.
This Spratly issue, do you think this will be an issue if the US Seventh Fleet is still around in that area? We kicked them out if you can still recall it.
(The 7th Fleet was deployed in South China Sea at that time).
JS: If you bothered to do a little checking, the US 7th Fleet IS DEPLOYED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. At any given time, even operating out of Japan and Guam, US forces are approximately 1-2 weeks from any possible conflict area in the region. Ships on deployment make regular stops in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and yes, even the Philippines that kicked them out.
Trosp: Maybe you must check how the Midway and Enterprise entered the Philippine sea during the coup de etat against the Cory Aquino regime. Check how fast they have reacted.
http://www.history.navy.mil/pubs/Ready%20Seapower_A%20History%20of%20the%20US%207th%20Fleet.pdf
Check page 100.
(All the time, the context of my reply to you is on your question of why should our national defense dependent on the US. How it could have been no Spratly issue with China if the 7th Fleet is still in South China Sea. Their presence is a deterrent to any aggressor who will intrude on that area. South China Sea is located south of mainland China and the island of Taiwan, west of the Philippines, north west of Sabah (Malaysia), Sarawak (Malaysia) and Brunei, north of Indonesia, north east of the Malay peninsula (Malaysia) and Singapore, and east of Vietnam. Spratly islands are all ours during that time.
I’ve given as an example of their fast reaction due to their South China Sea deployment when Pres Cory has requested their support to quell the Enrile/Honasan’s rebellion.)
JS: Are we comparing the failed Enrile coup to an invasion by the People’s Liberation Army? They aren’t even in the same universe.
(LOL with that kind of you playing smart.)
JS: And you are still basing your opinion on conditions from 23 years ago, involving a different kind of threat (one without nuclear capability), under a different US president and a different economy. However, we are still dealing with the same stupid Aquino family.
(Yes, I’m basing my opinion on conditions 23 years ago when 7th Fleet was deployed in South China Sea. When they were the best deterrent for those who will intrude in their area of responsibility (Philippines).
As for this nuclear threat, this is one of the primary reasons (read: myths) why American bases were kicked out from the Philippines by those nationalists and patriots (read: radicals and progs). But then, as I’ve been telling you, we can have a separate discussion on that one.)
Still too complicated for you to comprehend?
Still you continue to discuss the 7th fleet, a topic which was never the main point of my posted comment. And geopolitical realities that were valid 20 years ago; very different from the situation we face today. Please read the last response I made (dated 15 November) carefully. The comment has always been about the willingness of the US to respond. I do not know how I can make it clearer.
@J. Saint
As of now you still can’t comprehend that what we’re discussing is your “Going further, why should our national defense dependent on the US?” comment.
Are you that stupid?
Now you’re just being offensive. And still unable to comprehend the point I was making. I will reiterate. I NEVER SAID THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WAS UNABLE TO RESPOND TO A POSSIBLE THREAT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. I have cited material from their own navy that indicates their capability to act in a crisis. What I have always maintained is that GIVEN THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION IN THE US THERE ARE GRAVE DOUBTS IN THIS REGION THAT THEY WOULD COMMIT THEIR TROOPS IMMEDIATELY, IF IT ALL, TO A CONFLICT POSSIBLY INVOLVING NUCLEAR ARMS. Because American commitment to their global obligations fluctuates depending on the kind of administration in power, their reliability as part of the Philippines’ defense strategy (as well as that of the whole region) comes into question. I concluded therefore that the Philippines should look at developing a more independent military strategy without the US (or its military aid) as our primary means of defense against external threats.
As a nation, as Filipinos, it is our right and our duty to assert ourselves. China certainly has no compunctions about doing so. Neither does the Republic of Korea. I cannot understand why you would not want the Philippines to do the same. For that matter, I cannot imagine why the US does not.
@J. Saint
Don’t you have any shame in accusing somebody’s comment as offensive?
That proves that you can’t even comprehend the offensiveness of your own comments (by your yardstick).
Seriously, your comprehension sucks…
I rest my case.
Trosp,
Did it not even occur to you that the last comment I made was about your degeneration into name calling?
I will say it again…my answers as to why the Philippines should develop a defense strategy independent of the United States has always been consistent as have the reasons behind my post. You have been obsessed with the reaction time of the US Navy and other minutiae that I even acknowledged and were never the object of my discussion in the first place. You continuously bring up these points without offering an alternative to my thesis which was about America’s doubtful commitment to its global obligations in the current geopolitical environment.
But I suppose that simple point is beyond the comprehension of an asinine dolt such as yourself.
Sigh, the point is moot anyway Johnny. If worse comes to worst Obama will do what he always does. Nothing.
@J. Saint
What name calling???
Have I labeled you as anything offensive???
Really, I have to rest my case.
Talk is cheap.
Trosp,
You are denying posted this?
“Are you that stupid?â€
So now you are back-tracking? Apparently we should add poltroon to your appellations. Since you cannot own up to your own post.
Or perhaps its a medical condition. Some kind of congenital disorder maybe that causes you to forget things?
Apparently Trosp, its still you missing the point. Don’t you understand it yet?
Given the official policies of past and current US administrations, it is unlikely that they will immediately deploy military elements to engage if the Chinese decided to take the Spratlys or even the Philippines. As President Obama has stated since his first campaign for the US presidency and through official White House statements regarding foreign policy, he will not commit US forces, preferring instead to have the UN Security Council resolve any (regional) conflicts. Furthermore, since China holds significant sway on the Security Council, it is unlikely that the matter of an invasion by China will be resolved in favor of the object of the invasion.
That isn’t speculation. IT’S A LOGICAL CONCLUSION BASED ON AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE US. Simply taking the US at its word. The fact that China IS flexing its muscles in Southeast Asia, one would logically infer that Chinese officials have come to the same conclusion. It is testing the world’s response to their belligerence towards its neighbors in Southeast Asia because the deterrent (the United States) has said it would not interfere. It’s pushing the limits as to how far and how much it can get away with.
As I have said before on this site, one should have facts available before making statements. The estimate of anywhere from a few days up to two weeks to fully deploy US naval forces is based on the fact that at any given time, 50% of the US 7th Fleet are deployed at sea throughout their area of responsibility (as per various US Navy sites). The US Navy’s own estimates place their forward contingent operating out of Japan and Guam 17 days closer to locations in Asia than any fleet elements based in the continental US. This means that crisis response could take as little as a few hours for the 15-20 ships operating from these two bases. A full military response could take several days depending on the nature of the attack.
THAT IS IF THE PRESIDENT OF THE US DECIDES TO COMMIT THEIR FORCES.
@J. Saint
Let’s review my comment.
My rejoinder is about your comment –
“If you bothered to do a little checking, the US 7th Fleet IS DEPLOYED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. At any given time, even operating out of Japan and Guam, US forces are approximately 1-2 weeks from any possible conflict area in the region.â€
(BTW, how did you know I didn’t bother to check?)
My response was –
Maybe you must check how the Midway and Enterprise entered the Philippine sea during the coup de etat against the Cory Aquino regime. Check how fast they have reacted.
http://www.history.navy.mil/pubs/Ready%20Seapower_A%20History%20of%20the%20US%207th%20Fleet.pdf
Check page 100.
They have reacted less than a week. As I can remember it, about two days.
My rejoinder was in context with my previous comment about kicking US bases of of the Philippines and it’s consequence –
(In response to your “Going further, why should our national defense dependent on the US?â€)
“This has been he case and we have no problems with it. It’s a mutual agreement with US of A. Just like what they have in Japan and South Korea. Why would us be a special case.
This Spratly issue, do you think this will be an issue if the US Seventh Fleet is still around in that area? We kicked them out if you can still recall it.”
Your reply to that was –
“If you bothered to do a little checking, the US 7th Fleet IS DEPLOYED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. At any given time, even operating out of Japan and Guam, US forces are approximately 1-2 weeks from any possible conflict area in the region.â€
(And the 7th Fleet was deployed in South China Sea until the time we kicked their bases out of the Philippines. Philippines was their area of responsibility. No wonder they can react that fast.)
With all your claims what and where is US forces now, we could discuss it as another topic.
BTW,
You did not cite the link from your comment –
“As I have said before on this site, one should have facts available before making statements. The estimate of anywhere from a few days up to two weeks to fully deploy US naval forces is based on the fact that at any given time, 50% of the US 7th Fleet are deployed at sea throughout their area of responsibility (as per various US Navy sites). The US Navy’s own estimates place their forward contingent operating out of Japan and Guam 17 days closer to locations in Asia than any fleet elements based in the continental US. This means that crisis response could take as little as a few hours for the 15-20 ships operating from these two bases. A full military response could take several days depending on the nature of the attack.”
As if it has come from your own logical conclusion, heh.
Verbatim from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Seventh_Fleet
Trosp,
Did it not even occur to you that the last comment I made was about your degeneration into name calling?
I will say it again…my answers as to why the Philippines should develop a defense strategy independent of the United States has always been consistent as have the reasons behind my post. You have been obsessed with the reaction time of the US Navy and other minutiae that I even acknowledged and were never the object of my discussion in the first place. You continuously bring up these points without offering an alternative to my thesis which was about America’s doubtful commitment to its global obligations in the current geopolitical environment.
But I suppose that simple point is beyond the comprehension of an asinine dolt such as yourself.
Correction, I quoted the wrong company name. Its actually CHIKKA.com. (Where the hell did I come up with “TSIKA?”)
Now you’re just being offensive. And still unable to comprehend the point I was making. I will reiterate. I NEVER SAID THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WAS UNABLE TO RESPOND TO A POSSIBLE THREAT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. I have cited material from their own navy that indicates their capability to act in a crisis. What I have always maintained is that GIVEN THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION IN THE US THERE ARE GRAVE DOUBTS IN THIS REGION THAT THEY WOULD COMMIT THEIR TROOPS IMMEDIATELY, IF IT ALL, TO A CONFLICT POSSIBLY INVOLVING NUCLEAR ARMS. Because American commitment to their global obligations fluctuates depending on the kind of administration in power, their reliability as part of the Philippines’ defense strategy (as well as that of the whole region) comes into question. I concluded therefore that the Philippines should look at developing a more independent military strategy without the US (or its military aid) as our primary means of defense against external threats.
As a nation, as Filipinos, it is our right and our duty to assert ourselves. China certainly has no compunctions about doing so. Neither does the Republic of Korea. I cannot understand why you would not want the Philippines to do the same. For that matter, I cannot imagine why the US does not.
Trosp,
You are denying posted this?
“Are you that stupid?”
So now you are back-tracking? Apparently we should add poltroon to your appellations. Since you cannot own up to your own post.
Or perhaps its a medical condition. Some kind of congenital disorder maybe that causes you to forget things?
you can always tell someones character by how they eat oysters, and from what i have seen here, it is greedy, uncouth, and uneducated, so i dont think the civilised world would be interested in adopting a backward child.
LOL
I think we ought to be judged based on how we prepare and eat snails.
And BALUT 😀
Sixto Brillantes believes in the possibility of speedy polls. The Daily Tribune says the opposite:
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/commentary/item/6745-expect-fraud-filled-polls
More problems from the Manila Standard:
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/12/a-coddler-of-criminals/
I think filipinos, because they suffer from such an inferiority complex – earnt over 50 years of non-achievement – want to try and bolster their self esteem vicariously by co-dependently attaching themselves to anyone from the west as a symbol of intellect and success, which they will never achieve alone.
Unfortunately it is one way traffic.
Respect needs to be earnt and filipino politicians are the country’s worst ambassadors for the image of greed, corruption, stupidity, and laziness.
What is so so wrong about Americans and America?Is it so bad and harmful to us if we adopt their good traits? For that matter can not we imitate the other good traits of other nations? For example, the Germans have that thoroughness and great attention for details which makes their products of unique quality. The Japanese have that intense nationalist devotion for their country. The French are world famous for the quality of their wine. Etc, etc. The so called ultra nationalists have for decades pounded us with the urgings that anything American is bad. Of course, not everything American is good in the same way that not everything Filipino is good.
“The so called ultra nationalists have for decades pounded us with the urgings that anything American is bad.”
My retort to them:
“What of anything from China?” 😀
Beacuse they own a trillion debt? and Currently the Philippines doesnt have one? the reason why we are able to lend a millino dollar. So why be part of a sinking ship?
Actually the real debt is more like 16 Trillion. But even with that debt the Philippines still gets it’s US Foreign aid.
Projected to be $20 Trillion by the time Obama leaves office in 2016-17 if it isn’t resolved. God only knows how bad it will get if Biden gets elected.
Yeah that’s a scary thought.
If the Philippines became a state they would have to follow rules. This seems to be a real problem for Filipino’s.
Americans will take one look at Quiapo and renege on the deal.
ignorant article from someone who doesnt know history. i don’t even know where to begin refuting your article *eye roll*
try picking up a good history book for starters so you would know how “good” being a colony is.
Try understanding the article, for starters, and look for the difference between colony and state.
You don’t even know where to begin because you don’t have anything. If you did you would’ve written it down.
Seriously.
How dumb can somebody be to seriously want to be a part of the Unites States.
This is just so absurd I can hardly get along with that.
Please watch this movie, this will for sure change your mind:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-CrNlilZho
And the statement that has been written down here for some times, that there is a difference between being a colony and a state- REALLY?
What advantage would the US have to inhale you? They would just use you, as they always have and still do, and let you continue being where you are- down.
If you would really be interested in why your country is where it is today, thank the United States.
They made everything that is possible to ruin your country and prevent it from success, from growing a healthy economy and a global player.
You can read whole books about this topic, but if you want a short overview, you could just read this article:
http://www.thecontroversialfiles.net/2013/04/shultz-and-hit-men-destroyed-philippines.html
Just stop bullshitting about becoming a part of the US please. That is the least democratic country in the world, oh wait, maybe together with North Korea, if you would really be into American history etc. you would know, that it doesn’t matter who of the two parties in the US is eleceted. Doesn’t matter at all, because they don’t have any decisions to make.
And they want to rule the world anyway btw. So why don’t go an just throw your contry to their feed?
Hell… Don’t know what to say right now..
Seriously, read some books and watch not official youtube docus. should open your eyes…
Last: I won’t follow on this post, makes me feeling too horrible about how blind and uneducated people can be.
So if you answer me, you won’t get an answer.
I would just ask you to watch this, it’s the first link I posted above.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-CrNlilZho
And then tell me afterwards, if you still want to throw your country down to their feed.
I meen “feeT”
sorry, can’t correct the post anymore now.
USA wants to rule the world, aren’t you full of crap. How bout when another big disaster hits, the USA sits and watch the death toll rise higher while the Philippine government fails. Last I looked, we have bases all over South Korea, and are there for support. South Korea is also doing extremely well. Have you been to the Philippines, are you blind at how poorly it is ran? USA is looking pretty bad right now, but still in better shape.
Lea is a leftist. Those videos are propaganda. Be original. Not all the things you said is wrong nor right. The problem with the Philippines when the US base were there was that they blamed the US for their ailing. It is not all US’s fault that our country is in such a wretched state. It is the culture of corruption and apathy. I would probably blame Spain more than the US but it would not help at all.
If the US is not democracy then what is? I live here. I could say whatever I want. Censorship is really almost non-existent. It is relatively open country. You could say anything you want about a powerful person and no one will kill you. Have you heard of journalist being killed because someone does not want what he wrote? Maybe, you should live in North Korea, Iran or Russia before you said such lies…
@ pedro , I guess the author was discussing on the premise of practicality but not on historical relevance….
geez pedro (eye roll)
FA: Good job getting so many people to respond. My wife said the Philippines should have become the next Puerto Rico. Naturally it’s better to stand on your own feet but in light of the circumstances….
Things that make you go hmmm……
There are several states wanting to secede from it now. Why would the Philippines want all the baggage the U.S. would bring. Filipino’s had there chance back in WWW2 anyway.
Right Steve, and let me add: What gives them the impression the the US would even want the PH as part of the Union. I get the impression that some of these folks think the US is just waiting for the PH to grace our Union with their presence
I get the same impression to Bill. Can you imagine the millions upon millions of people who get on some sort of govt. assistance. The U.S. would not be able to handle this.
Good for bringing that up. I live out here, and that would destroy the US.
Philippines will never be part of USA even if USA wants it. That’s impossible! Many years ago USA tried to takeover the philippines but USA failed. Think about it!
Several states? All I know is Texas.
And I will not take it seriously at all.
Why would the U.S. want all the baggage the Philippines would bring?
Waste of time as the US is already falling apart.
That is pretty arrogant of you Monk. The US is still the most powerful country in the world. Speaking of powerfull: How come your country cannot even control the NPA and Muslims in your own country.? Why can’t you educate every Filipino?, Why don’t you have food subsidies for the poor that work.? Why do you depend so much on foreign aid? Why do you cry for the declining US every time the Chinese rattle your cage.? Gimme a break….
We will have our time. And we can feel it.
BTW we love your Jobs 🙂
Thank you for calling 🙂
Ahhhhhhh Joseph, more Pinoy pride? I love it.
@ Bill, you got a strong point and to add to your comment to monk,,, I am believe that the Philippines is a nation pretending to be self reliant and free from US, when in fact up till this moment its not.
The Philippines has fallen apart.
Why I dont want to be American.
The United States of America is indeed the most powerful country in our world today. They took the stage after they dethroned Spain as being the strongest, another Philippine colonizer.The US indeed have a wonderful system of government and justice.
But let me tell you why I wouldnt want to be American.
If Filipinos will be American the 1st thing we will lose is our language and dialects. Remember what Jose Rizal thought you. Most young Filipino Americans shy away in using tagalog or any Filipino dialect because they are afraid that they’ll get bullied at school. Another thing is our culture. I still love seeing the haranas (yes it still happens today in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao) and the eat all you can fiesta.
Most of the time Filipinos are hoping to be American cause they want to be rich or whatsoever. But if you’ll think about it, you dont really need to be an American just to be rich. It’s really upto you. The richest person now in the planet is not an American but a Mexican. There’s a lot of poor and jobless Americans specially the past 3 years with their poor economy.Good thing for the Philippines you were not hit hard with it.
With the authors point of view about currency exchange I think he need to go back to college and study Economics 101 or wathc the news. The Pinoy Peso is one of the strongest currency in Asia. The only thing why it’s being controlled not to go lower than 40 pesos against is because a lot of sector will get hit with it. Export, BPO and also are foreign reserves. The reason why the Philippines was able to LEND a million dollar to IMF (to save europe ass). Why would I like to be part of a sinking ship who have trillions of dollars debt. and as we speak they are now trying to solve a fiscal cliff.
In terms of national security, Once country was able to achieve great economic status, You can create your own ships and whatsoever. And with the worlds economy today no country like US, Japan or China would like to enter a war. For Internal security issue. Educate the people. the reason why theres NPA in the country is because they are like the author. They think chnaging the country to a communist state will make them richer and better for the country like China. but again they are wrong. We might end up like North Korea.
The reason why the Philippines is poor because they choose to be poor. Filipinos dont even know their rights as a Filipino. They opt not to care about the laws of the country not even their bill of rights. You have democracy but you dont use it. You still vote for corrupt officials. (and dont tell me that you cant change the evil ways of your governments, FYI you can file petitions to SC, people’s initiative and pressure your government like what you did with Cybercrime law. You now know how powerful you are)
Filipinos love mocking rather than HELPING and EDUCATING the people they are mocking.
If your an American today and you are feeling the recession is hitting you, you will opt to be Filipino. If you are an american today and one of the unemployed Americans, you would opt to be filipino. If you are one of the Americans who was hit by Sandy and no one is helping you, not even you neighbor, you would opt to be a Filipino.
If the philippines would be a state, not good for the Filipino’s but Good for Americans.
Additional living space. Trillions of mining and tourism business to pay the whole american debt. More Nanny’s (since our education is inferior to them,when we become Americans, will be part of their uneducated index). Since Philippines taxation and wages will change, Americans who are doing business in the country would go to China or Vietnam because it’s cheaper.(the reason why all of tem are transferring to the Philippines is because they know were better! Quality of work, hardworking, english proficient yet cheap) No more BPO. And INFLATION.
The Filipinos inflicted their own worries and I guess it’s a shame if you’ll let an American solve it for you. Are Filipinos Stupid and Immature? I dont think so.
The Japanese, South Koreans, Singapore, Taiwan became Asian Tigers not because they follow there American dream but rather they love being who they are.
very well said.
Lot of haters and lovers on the topic. What kills me as in having these discussions is even speaking to Filipino ( and yes I am married to a filipina and live is san asidro, isabella. but the discussion always lead to the same. but just as any race most races are proud, the philippines already has the national language is english. During the early 1900 americans were scared to be a new imperial country, that is why we gave the power to the people from the get-go, and them that was the wrong answer not saying the philippines didnt have the right to govern themselves but, to do what we did was basically in terms give an arsonist a bucket of gasoline and a match and said go enjoy yourselves. If we would have put the phillipines on an iv and let it drip into the veins then the philippines would have been a state before ww2.
either way for now if they became a state it would be broken into diffrent states, and we would be like say 57 state union instead of making philippines 1 state. the reason for this is philippines is not small lot of people, infrastructure would be devastating and if same philippine congress was in all money would try to end up in the pockets.
but, just think of all the great things the philippines would have. you would have well structured roads, most are in good conditions but, layout / road laws will be magnified. whats the big deal about this you ask?? imagine yourself downtown manila middle of rush hour, now imagine all the roads had nice lights / stop signs, at the red light all traffic is stopped green light all traffic is flowing smoothly and everyone staying in their own lane. Manila will or say is new york of the philippines imagine if traffic acted like it, 90% better traffic .
living standards would be uncanny to ost provincial filipinos, nice structured house. could type about 2 days on the housing improvements condition, but, yes that much better..
all would be getting paid in us dollar no more peco, will get paid no less than minimum wage say $5-8 an hour,, again rmember you are now a state dont look at anything in the past forget third world tactics yes you will be brought to a standard of pay quit thinking $100 a month..
cities will be better governed,, i live here and yes it is a total cluster mess upon a mess you have cities organized, buildings will be brought to standards,, stop thinking tin room on top of tin room.
transportation, unless you live in downtown big city you may not have a car / truck but in the states everyone has a vehicle same as will be in the philippines,,
lastly because i can go on a week about the upsides, but think of recourse nothing you cannot buy, you need it its there, only thing i can say is google walmart pics,, thats right imagine that store in every city / town across the philippines..
I find these comments humorous. What could the Philippines possibly have, the U.S. could want? I know the answer. Nothing!
sorry forgot closing statement yes it will be hard adjustment but, in a decade it will be like hawaii if you let it..
I respected what you wrote. However, for me, US has been really good to me and my family. I will be forever grateful to my adoptive country because it improve my economic status.
I disagree in some things you wrote.
1. Filipinos do not have a choice. No one choose to be that poor. There is limited opportunities in the Philippines that’s why many goes to foreign land to find better future. A lot of the ailing is due to corruption, nepotism, poor education etc.
2. The US economy is still the biggest in the world. When the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches cold. Yes, it was hit hard in 2008 but it is recovering. Even in it’s lowest level of growth, US economy is still better than the Philippines. The Philippines was not hit hard because it is already down…
3. About Sandy…Do you know anything at all about what’s going on in recovery there? People are being helped there. How about Haiyan survivor? Anyway, the best people that I met in my life are Americans. I live in Iowa. When I first arrived here, people are helpful and hospitable. They go beyond what they’re supposed to do. Many Americans also volunteers in their community. Many soup kitchen and shelters are ran by volunteers.
4. Yes there are many poor people in this country but there are help from the government– food stamp, Medicaid, free quality education thru high school, scholarship in college. Many homeless are psychiatric cases.
5. Americans who live in the Philippines are “special” people. Many already burned many bridges. Also, many are retired and their pension is worth more in the Philippines.
I considered going home in the Philippines for good but when I think hard about it will not be a wise idea esp. for working person like me because of the following:
1. Safety. Crime is high in the Philippines. I was robbed many times when I was living there. You cannot even wear a jewelry in public because of that.
2. Healthcare. Emergency service is poor.
3. Lack of reliable transportation and heavy traffic.
4. Lack of job opportunity. That’s why many Filipinos go out of the country.
5. Pollution in Metro Manila. Lack of infrastructure in the rural area.
6. Poor quality of education. I need to have my son be in private school there!
7. Expensive gasoline, electricity and water!
8. I was appalled to see that the only safe place for students after school is the mall. No sports. Lack of public library or after school programs.
I can go on and on. I hope you get the point.
I respect that you are an optimist. We need someone like you but please get your facts about the US. It makes me angry to see media coverage about how bad life here in US and it is not!
Ok lng maging part ng US.
1. Madali ng mag business dadami market ntin mabenta filipino products. di nmn pedeng tau nlng bumibili sa knila, (jordan shoes, Nike, Adidas,. ang dami ntin binibili diba sila lng kumikita. Piso fare ni Gokongwei effective.
2. Trabaho mas masipag at matyaga tayo sa knila mga carpenter, driver, maid, etc. lalaki sahod makakatulong na sa pamilya, at nirerespeto pa sila. call center dadami rin. at madami pang iba gasoline boy. skilled worker dadami rin. pati mga training ng kung anuano dadami rin, di na kelangan magtapos ng college para mabuhay, ngaun kasi satin tapos na mag college and masteral wala paring trabaho kasi bkit diskriminasyon, sample sa call center kahit ano itsura mo makakapagwork ka, satin graduate ka pag panget ka katulong ka parin what a shit diba.
3. Tourism, hay salamat makakapagtour din sa US at ibang bansa, aminin natin at sa hindi sawa na tayo sa pilipinas. Anu yun Kano lang ang nakakatikim ng ibang lahi, panahon naman siguro na karamihan satin eh makatikim ng ibang lahi, sa wakas mas dadami pa forenoy lalo na Fil-am. pakalat kalat nlng ang mga anne curtes sa daan, bk sa susunod maid nrin ntin ung mga tipong itsurang artistahin na. siguro 3 yaya hire ko hahaha.
4. Technology, siguro makakatulong ung jeepney sa kanila kasi wala sila masyadong public transpo ang mahal, makakamura sila, tricycle natin baka ducati na nun hahaha.
5. Diba pag ginera tau ng china, pede pumunta ang lahat ng pilipino sa US, habang ang mga kano ang nakikipag bakbakan eh di zero casualties.
7. Population, ang dami mag anak ang mga pilipino, diba kahit wala ng makain sampu sampu parin anak, lalo na kung nsa US ung mga malilibog na pilipino baka 5yrs lang times 10 na population natin.
8. Sports and entertainment, diba pag may nag exel fil-am inaako ng mga pilipino na pinoy yan proud to be pinoy, pag interview im proud to be filipino thanks sa support. fuck shit pag PBA sasabihin nila Fil am yan kaya magaling yan, walang papasok na pure filipino sa NBA fuck shit watanangina.
9. Dialect, watanangina mag US nlng ako kesa China, mas madali kaya maintindihan ang english, advantage ntin un sila pipilitin nila matuto mag tagalog, sample punta kau Boracay at cebu, mga forener galing mag tagalog, so ibig sabihin times to ang mag tatagalog or wikang pilipino sa mundo (bisaya, chabakano, pangalatok, bikolano at iba pa.)
10. Sinong may sabi na wala ng corupt, lalo ng corup paupoin natin ung mga opisyal ng pilipinas sa US ano mangyayari, mas corupt garapalan, di malau na first filipino president in the US.
11. ayoko mangyari magpasakop sa amerika, kasi mas maraming magkakasala satin madaming tukso pera, sex, sugal, sakit lahat na. pati religion at pagkilala sa diyos mawawala na. mas ok na ganito nlng tau basta naniniwala sa diyos.
Pasencya na mga tol
Gusto mo maging parte ng $17trillion na utang nila?
Yan ay sa perspective ng mga pinoy na galing dito sa pinas.
Pero marami ring amerikano at turista sa USA na nagsasabing hindi rin ganun kaganda ang buhay nila.
may point ka dyan bro, salamat sa reply, kaya nga base sa mga nakakausap ko na amerikano mahirap daw buhay nila sa amerika kaya dito sila tumitira kasi mura lng standard of living, siguro pag may tumira na mahirap sa amerika dadami rin motorcycle tandem dun na holdaper haha, snatcher kikita na pilipinas
The main problems of the Philippines are:
1) it is a US neocolony
2) the US “collaborator class” (Oligarchs)
3) the prostituted Politicians, Justice and Military
4) the tentacles of the Oligarchs (Media, civil
society groups, fake rebels, syndicates etc.)
5) FILIPINO’S INHERENT DIVISIVE NATURE
Now, assuming (though unlikely) numbers [1] to [4] are resolved, it won’t take long for the Philippines to fall apart again because of number [5] which is the main reason why we have numbers [1] to [4] today. It has always been that way and IT WILL REMAIN LIKE THAT. Number [5] is indestructible. We are our greatest enemy.
Solution: pledging alliance to the US is like outsourcing our government to Washington. I don’t see anything wrong with that. It is the most practical solution given the emerging global threat in Asia.
I doubt there is any consideration in Washington D.C. regarding allowing the Philippines statehood. Perhaps they can replace the state of Michigan with the Philippines. That would be a good way to get rid of Detroit.
No, please change L.A to Phililppines
LOL
It will never happen!
David I have to agree with you. Why would the U.S. be interested in giving the Philippines statehood? I myself wish it would happen. I relocated to the Philippines in 2011. The high cost of land and lack of quality products here is appalling. I am also surprised by the words I often hear, “out of stock”. Over one year ago, I was in the SM Cebu City Supermarket. I found Del Monte Summer Crisp canned corn. I purchased 12 cans. One week later I purchased the remaining 2 cans. They have not had any of this product since. Why? If I managed a store and made a profit from any product, I would make every effort to ensure that product was available.
being filipino i find this argument as none-sense. we should not sell our nation to america its disgusting remember filipinos are not foolish enough, fiipino pride is still there and why americans will allow this anyway? most americans still discriminative over filipinos. for me filipinos has something good that awaits them and for now we filipinos struggled to enjoy what the world has to offer and this is not always the case because someday we can show that we are also a distinct poeple that can greatly contribute to mankind. viva filipinas mabuhay.
The Philippines a State Of The Union? I seriously doubt that the U.S. has any interest in this happening.
Your country has had over 50 years to do something, South Korea had less time and has done something. I bet if we reopen a base here you will be begging to get a job. If not mistaken you will probably get paid around 400 peso an hour for flipping burgers there.
there is many chances that americans can absorb the philippines from 1898 to 1947 but they didin’t and they don’t like non-caucasians, they don’t like short poeple but despite this mockery and belittle on us filipinos they forget we are inteligent and none aggresive kind of race because we can show care for different races aside from being technical professionals we mostly good as caregiving professionals which is something missing on proud countries. can an arab do caregiving to other races? i doubt it. can white/black american do caregiving to other races? i definitely doubt it. can a chiense do caregiving to other races? i doubt it. only filipinos has this kind of ability can be interpret as a high IQ a poeple with wide understanding in life and very unselfish towards its own family specially to non-relatives right. so im proud to be independent, to be a filipino, to be a race of hope for others.
You sir are dumb. A lot of Americans love Pinays/pinoys in the USA. They have a better work ethic. The ones that don’t like are more of the lazy african americans who like to sit and not work. Well in Virginia that is, because they hated that my wife busted her ass.
You said it!
Many international hospitality related companies prefer Filipinos over any other..
Americans also love our prostitutes. That’s why there are many tourists here.
even though some races mock filipinos of not being a rich country or a filipino individual has low iq in managing finances but why? because the way filipinos think is selfish the wealth is distributed to every members of the family every filipino individual sacrifice their income for their family to feed and have a simple life. we filipinos are one of the happiest poeple in the world because life for us is simple we like to taste the experience good or bad, we like to see the adventures of life in every second with our own family. life is important being rich, lots of money will make your life worth and happy it is totally untrue.
what i mean is filipinos is unselfish to correct my comment above
Yes we are unselfish. We love to see every members of our family well feed and spoiled. We are the family type who sacrifices ourselves for the sake of our family. We corrupt and steal from fellow filipinos to uphold our own unselfish justifications. Even ASG’s and MNLF and those dammned factions whatever you call them not only kidnap foreign volunteers but innocent filipinos as well, for what? for unselfish idealism? or financial stuffs? or publicity?
i think someone is right, we are onion-skinned pricks with bloated egos. Usually, we like to ignore better decision if it hurts our pride and our social standing. We cried being cheated if we lost (because its true, ain’t it?). We all cheated anyways. In fact everyone cheats irregardless of colors.
who said the other can’t care like we are. these people care too but they have limits. one thing i’m proud and ashamed of is our notorious hospitality. the other races controlled it while we on the other hand spoiled it and goes the extra mile. we give even if we had almost nothing for ourself, for what? fame? social standing? integrity? or pride again? i dunno, maybe we give so much because we expect something in return, be it in kind or something in particular. yes we are happy people even in times of worst disasters. we are even still happy being cheated upfront by our corrupt leaders.
that may be the case but am still proud to be filipino. i maybe part of the people who still vote for corrupt and callous politicians; are there any politicos who are not corrupt? i do not want to be American nor be a part of any state but the Philippines in any way. i still believe that we can still be better than any nation in the long run if those people who are working behind the curtains of this predicament will be determined. i believe that what we are experiencing now is just part of a greater scheme perpetuated by people who we could not perceive that they can and without the slightest hint that they will.
good or bad, i am a proud filipino but i dont deny the fact that we need the other races for help. And we should not be stubborn but we should also preserve our identity that can be perceive as good and best.
being a part of america and still being governed by these corrupted pricks means nothing. we filipinos may have this destructive nature but still we shall stand for our sovereignty.
Dont be prejudiced that other races are bad or are inferior. In all races, there are bad people and there are few people who are fighting it. Being good and bad can’t be determined through colors alone.
If the Philippines were to become a state of the union (yeah sure), then perhaps reliable electric service would become a reality.
You do realise that United States consists of INDEPENDENT polities? And that each state is expected to conduct their affairs independently of each other? Becoming part of the USA isn’t a license to ask for handouts and pass on local problems to the US federal government.
I suggest that the author make some American Christian friends and find out what their sentiments are about their government. The author will surely change his/her mind.
Whoever wants to be part of the US should just leave the Philippines. Spare the rest of us all the trouble.
Easier said than done. You would need to register as a US citizen if you ever decide to make permanent residence but that would take 10 to 12 years, my parents arrived in the US in the 80s but were not able to gain citizenship till 1998. It is also tough as an immigrant, you would have to make your way up in order to thrive, my parents had to take odd jobs just so they can support each other, they even lived in rented rooms that sometimes the size of a garage space. You would also have to look at the job market, companies in the US are more inclined to hire people who had their education here than in any other country due to America’s belief in competition. I’m not dissuading people from coming but there is alot of sacrifice involved if they ever choose to make the move.
On the the positive note: if Philippines becomes one kf the states, The US will sure benefit from pinoy professionals due to increased demand and low supply, especially in the medical field.
Positive ba yung makikinabang yung US?
LOL idiot
My experience with the Philippine medical field has been one of incompetence. Internal bleeding follows most surgeries.
It is too poignant for the US to even think of considering as such given the disgusting political turmoil in the Philippine government. I left Manila for a sad fact that while many are still hopeful for a better system of government, very nil will there ever be honest, God-fearing, & service-centered political leaders in my generation and beyond.
Actually, I just received a text from the Secretary of State, they are actually considering it 🙂
Brilliant article. But i would rather say, America for the fight of democracy or liberty,,, our God fond of liberty. And Philippines for the true faith, an anchor of soul, we dont really need a huge thing for this exactly. I dont think this article will work base on biblical prophecy. Ah imposible. Like Sabbah as a part of the Philipines? I dont think so. The Philippines will remain like the figure of camel.
For true faith Philippines? Filipinos for the most part are true hypocrites.
American for the fight of democracy or liberty? lol nag weeds ka pare?
Sorry pero ayoko magkaron ng utang na $17trillion na hindi naman mababayaran ng Amerika sa loob ng 50 years.
The Philippines should beg to become a state of the union.
To an average Filipino, the words “foreigner” and “American” are synonymous. I wonder if that would change.
Like scotland, philippines can simply vote yes or no if filipinos want to be part of the US state. This means that ALL FILIPINO CITIZENS, not just our selfish self-serving politicians. And I bet majority of Filipinos wanted to be americans than being a filipino in a wretched failed philippines run by filipino politicians
The Cordilleras and other ethnic groups can simply form reservations just what the indian tribes did.
Let us go back to the era of the Commonwealth of the Philippines iF and ONLY iF everyone here in our beloved country, the Philippines, wishes to revert what the Americans did to us. NO MORE REPUBLiC OF THE PHiLiPPiNES, just COMMONWEATH OF THER PHiLiPPiNES. And also, let us bring back the 1935 Philippine Constitution which stated under Article IV as declared the following:
“Section 1. The following are citizens of the Philippines:
(1) Those who are citizens of the Philippine Islands at the time of the adoption of this Constitution.
(2) Those born in the Philippine Islands of foreign {American} parents who, before the adoption of this Constitution, had been elected to public office in the Philippine Islands.
(3) Those whose fathers are citizens of the Philippines.
(4) Those whose mothers are citizens of the Philippines and, upon reaching the age of majority, elect Philippine citizenship.
(5) Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.”
So, why not SCRAP the 1987 Philippine Constitution completely, revive the 1935 Philippine Constitution once again {… of course, with added amendments apllicable for the 21st century!…} and then bring all back the U.S. BASES here once again? As simple as that!…