Our government claims to have done everything it could to negotiate with China. There is still an empty void which it should fill. I am therefore making the following statement with respect to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) and the China situation, for whatever it is worth.
The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.— Section 7, Article II, Philippine Constitution
The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.—Section 2, Article II, Philippine Constitution
Edca, in general, is a move worthy of commendation for the contributions it can potentially make in terms of capacitating the Philippines, as a sovereign state, to protect and defend its territorial integrity. Through strength and arms, a man “keepeth his palace (and) his goods are in peace.” (Luke 11:21 KJV)
The inclusion of clear provisions stating that the United States shall “not establish a permanent military presence or base in the Philippines; that, US access to and use of designated areas in AFP-owned and -controlled facilities will be at the invitation of the Philippine government; that, in all things, there will be strict compliance with the Philippine Constitution, laws and jurisprudence,” is also commended.
The provisions for “humanitarian assistance and disaster relief” merits particular citation, as it underscores the importance the Aquino administration places on the wellbeing of Filipinos, especially those who fall victim to natural and manmade disasters, both of which the Philippines experiences frequently.
However, the provisions strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines for external defense and maritime security may be subject to further and deeper contemplation and consideration, especially if these were included in response to China’s increasingly aggressive moves in the West Philippines Sea.
The Bible offers useful insights that our national leaders would do well to heed to manage China’s assertions.
(W)hat king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.(Luke 14:31-33 NKJV)
Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him… (Matt 5:25 NKJV)
Rush not forth soon to quarrel (before magistrates or elsewhere), lest you know not what to do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame. Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not another’s secret, lest he who hears you reviles you and bring shame upon you and your ill repute have no end. (Proverbs 25:8-10 AMP)
Purposes and plans are established by counsel; and (only) with good advice make or carry on war.(Proverbs 20:18 AMP)
In view of the above biblical principles, I suggest the following proposal:
Deal and negotiate with China directly as one sovereign nation to another. If it must take President Aquino to do it, then let us do it, for the sake of our nation. While war is a “great way off,” the Bible says, “send a delegation and ask conditions of peace.” “Rush not soon to quarrel.” “Argue your cause with your neighbor himself.” “Agree with your adversary quickly.” “Purposes and plans are established by counsel.” Exhaust all means to come to terms. Find the right delegation to send. Maybe it is time to seek the help of the influential Filipino-Chinese themselves. “Seek peace, and pursue it,” the Bible says.
An Edca with specific provisions on strengthening external defense and maritime security will only invite further disagreement with China. It may be silent on China, but that specific provision rings loudly in the ears of the Chinese leadership so that they do not hear our call for the “conditions of peace.”
Do we actually need an Edca with a specific provision on maritime security in our hands before we negotiate with China? Does the United States really need a formal agreement to come to the aid of an aggrieved friend? Will all the nations of the world keep silent if we hold our heads high as a sovereign nation to negotiate without fear? Or will they applaud our valor and rise to our defense?
Taking action consistent with God’s Word should not be a cause for fear. Rather, it should be a reason for boldness, for if “God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b KJV). To neglect God and His will is to refuse every good and perfect gift from the Father of lights.
We can stand our ground if we take heed. God will not leave us alone. The Psalmist declares:
In the Lord I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul,
“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
For look! The wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?
The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
The Lord tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
Shall be the potion of their cup.
For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright. (Psalm 11, NKJV)
Bishop Reuben Abante, DD, is the
senior pastor of Lighthouse Bible
Baptist Church and Ministries, which has an extensive network of churches and missions locally and abroad.