Congress must do its job regarding WPS

By Michael Henry Yusingco, LL.M

Yes, lawmaking is a job.

Voters did not technically hire members of Congress, but every single lawmaker elected to the House of Representatives and the Senate is expected to perform a specific task. One that demands of them to devote every waking time of their term of office. And that is to enact the laws necessary to solve the many problems we face as a nation.

One such problem is the intrusion of Chinese war ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that has been going on for years now. The previous administration adopted the accommodation policy, which probably just encouraged the invaders even further. President Bongbong Marcos has abandoned this cowardly tact and has allowed our armed forces to be more active and assertive in defending our territory.

But the intrusion of Chinese war ships continues, and as of late, has become even more massive and dangerously audacious. President Marcos himself has warned that they are creeping closer to our shores. Clearly, this is a problem that is not going to be resolved any time soon. And more critically, it is an intergenerational problem that requires a whole-of-nation approach. This means every Filipino has a job to perform here.

Our government, by and large, has been taking all the legal steps to counter these illegal incursions in the WPS. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been constantly pursuing every diplomatic measure available. Our navy and coastguard have been more active in that area unlike in the previous administration. And more crucially, we have been strengthening our alliances with like-minded nations to complement our current national defense operations.

But most notable these days is how the national security sector has done well in terms of making sure every intrusion of Chinese war ships in the WPS is immediately and accurately reported to the public. As per one of its senior officials, “What we have done is change global opinion in our favor.”  It has certainly heightened the emotional level of public discourse on this subject-matter.

And here is where civil society parleys its strength to keep the citizenry well-informed. Media not only reports on what is happening in the WPS but has likewise engaged with international law experts to explain the geopolitical implications of how we respond. CSOs regularly organize lectures and forums to provide a safe space where all angles of this problem can be thoroughly discussed.

Clearly, it is easier to appreciate the immediate reactions to the incursions in the WPS. They are absolutely necessary of course, and have rightfully been getting the attention of the general public. But as previously mentioned, this problem will not just suddenly disappear. It is intergenerational, and we must accept that. Hence, we must also be forward-looking in dealing with these foreign transgressions in the WPS.

And this is where Congress comes in. Our lawmakers, particularly, need to have the long-term perspective when it comes to doing their part. It does not mean of course, that they should just set aside their emotions and ignore the almost daily intrusions of Chinese war ships in the WPS. They too have the right to express their outrage and displeasure. But simply “lecturing” the Chinese government on what to do is really meaningless.

Indeed, our lawmakers should not let their passion, and their “politics”, sidetrack them from doing their job which is to legislate the upscaling of our maritime defense capability. Note that we have one of the longest coastlines in the world. We are surrounded by abundant marine resources. So, it only makes sense that we should aspire to be a maritime powerhouse in our region.

Achieving this goal because will require legislative action. In fact, there are bills crafted precisely for this end already in the pipeline. But they are not getting the proper attention from our lawmakers. A lot of study needs to be done in connection with these bills and more public discussions as well. So far, both chambers of the legislature have not shown any urgency in getting these works done.

It is worth noting that at the core of President Marcos’ national security policy is this statement: “Complementing the PDP vision, the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 envisions a free, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous archipelagic and maritime nation, at peace with itself and its neighbors, enabled and protected by reliable defense and public safety systems.”

Congress’ role is to actualize that part about being, “enabled and protected by reliable defense and public safety systems”. The leaders of both chambers must act swiftly, which would entail overcoming the exigencies of partisan politics. Correspondingly, every member of the legislature must also answer the ring of the bell. A flotilla of Chinese war ships is at the other corner. If our elected lawmakers do not do their job now, then a national catastrophe could be waiting for us down the line.