West Philippine Sea (Wikipedia)

The Makabayan bloc expressed concern on Friday, Nov. 10, that the Philippines’ newest military deal with Japan could escalate the tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

It was earlier reported that both governments will start discussions on the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). 

This military pact aims to further deepen military cooperation between the two nations. It will allow Japanese soldiers to train with their Filipino counterparts in the Philippines. 

This move comes after growing concerns by both countries against China’s aggressive actions in the WPS. 

“Bilang mga Pilipino, persistent tayo sa ating stance na hindi manghimasok ang China sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas, including its exclusive economic zone at sa [WPS],” Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said. 

(As Filipinos, we are persistent in our stance that China should not interfere in Philippine territory, including its exclusive economic zone and the West Philippine Sea.) 

However, Manuel stressed, “Hindi din naman pwede na ang isyung ito ay gagamitin ng mga makapangyarihang bansa, kagaya ng US (United States) at kanilang mga alyadong bansa, para panatilihin na rin naman ang nananaig nilang hegemony o pag-act nila bilang global police at pag-maintain ng kanilang global power.” 

(At the same time, this issue shouldn't be used as a reason by powerful countries, such as the US and their allied countries, to maintain their prevailing hegemony or act as global police and maintain their global power.) 

The Kabataan solon says military partnerships with the US, Japan, and Australia is “a flawed approach in defending our territory”. 

He instead pushed to boost the country’s military capacity, alongside partnerships with Southeast Asian countries whose territories are also at stake. 

“Magreresulta lamang sa pang-uupat ng giyera, pag-heighten pa ng tensions ng US and its allies, on one hand, laban sa China kapag ganitong mga militarist approach, mga war games, at mga lopsided military agreements ang ating sasandigan to defend our territory.” Manuel noted. 

(It will only result in the escalation of war, the heightening of tensions by the US and its allies, on one hand, against China if we rely on such militaristic approaches, war games, and lopsided military agreements to defend our territory.) 

Furthermore, Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas warned that the RAA may lead to human rights violations, especially on women, given the history of the Japanese military in the country. 

Congress leaders recently tempered this concern by stating that Japanese soldiers are disciplined. 

Meanwhile, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro told the Marcos administration to not be “deceived” by this new military accord. 

She fears it may lead to loss of natural resources and potential human rights violations. --Dexter Barro II