In the past, alien governments acquired lands through “conquest by force.” Thus, Spain acquired the Philippines. In much the same manner, America acquired our lands in the Philippine-American War.
Since the early 18th century up to the granting of our independence in 1946 by the United States, our country continued to be a mere colony, a conquered nation, a victim of conquest by force.
Conquest by force is now universally condemned, but here comes another form—“conquest by money.”
How?
By allowing aliens (foreign government and/or individuals/entities) to own lands in the Philippines without limitations, for as long as they have the money. We, Filipinos, who generally don’t have that kind of money, will eventually succumb to the lure of money. The inevitable result of the constitutional proposal to allow foreigners to acquire our lands without limitations is: we will soon become foreigners in our own country. After all, the foundation of sovereignty is land.
Should we allow this?
God save our beloved country from conquest by money!
—JOSE T. APOLO,
former judge,
4368 Rosemallow Rd.,
Sunvalley, Parañaque City
