Learning Task 2
Read the following news article published by Rappler.com and answer the questions that follow in a pad paper.
[Just Saying] The West Philippine Sea must be saved
April 19, 2021 4:04 PM PHT
China's communist officials may have thoroughly studied
President Duterte's psyche and concluded that he cannot talk
tough against China in the same way he talks tough against his
own people.
The West Philippine Sea is again center stage in addition to
COVID-19. In international law. there are four stages in case of
international conflict - short of war - which the Philippines must
undertake.
First, the Philippines should alert the world of the impending
trouble. This is what is called "noisy," but not belligerent,
diplomacy.
President Aquino did that after exhausting to solve the problem
through "silent" diplomacy. As head of state, he openly called
China "a bully." He criticized China's intrusion, publicly declaring
that China's movements in the South China Sea were comparable
to Nazi Germany's expansionist agenda before World War 2. By his
pronouncements. President Aquino warned the international
community that the issues are not only a localized problem, but
an international concem. He did the right move.
Second, if nothing happens, a case should be filed with the
Questions:
1. What issue is discussed in the article that you have read?
international tribunal. President Aquino's administration filed a
case before the Hague international tribunal, resulting in a victory
for the Philippines. The landmark decision was hailed all over the
world.
Third, upon receipt of the decision, the Philippines must openly
urge the losing country to abide immediately and strictly by the
decision, with an admonition that noncompliance will result in
further international recourse. President Duterte failed to do this
upon official receipt of the West Philippine Sea ruling by his
administration in the early part of its term.
China's garrisons and missiles strategically positioned in the South
China Sea must be met by, at the very least, the Philippines' overt
act manifesting the preparedness to invoke and operationalize
the VFA and the MDT. China's awareness of a definitive
retaliatory response from the US pursuant to the latter's VFA and
MDT commitments in case of an attack on the Philippines can be
an effective deterrent.
The Philippines is in a serious mess. If not corrected, it will worsen.
leaving an ugly legacy of President Duterte's leadership or, to be
more precise, lack of it, in the West Philippine Sea - a facticity
second only to Japan's Second World War Philippine occupation.
The West Philippine Sea must be saved.
- Mel Sta. Maria
2. Do you agree or disagree with the points given by the author? Why or why not?
3. As a Filipino, what is your stand about the issue on the West Philippine Sea?
E. Engagement (Time Frame: Days 3-4-80 minutes)
Learning Task 3
In your pad paper, copy and complete the organizer below. On the oval shapes, indicate the possible effect/s of the issues
indicated on the rectangles.
CAUSE
Unemployment
EFFECT