at the second half of the day, different sets of speakers were introduced: Colonel Dickson Hermoso and Mr. Andrew Kervin Ras. The speakers talked about the issue about child soldiers in and out of the country. It was the first time for me to encounter a talk regarding child soldiers and i was shocked wit how young they were and used to kill and shoot guns. I know that in reality this does happen and i believe that this should end now. The use of poor kids who are innocent and weak is unbearable. They should be given a chance to play outside without fears of getting hurt, be happy, go to school, be free, be loved and be cared for. The speaker during the talk mentioned that even girls are made soldiers and even becomes sex slaves of other soldiers. Now this broke my heart into pieces. In such a young age they get to experience the trauma of killing people, see bloods shed and other unjust acts.
This are the uncertainties that life has given us and it depends on us if we'll allow this to continue or put a stop it. As students, we can only do so much but by at the least being aware of what is happening, be one with those against it, then perhaps who knows in the future we can be of help to stopping this.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Quirino Hostage Taking
it was about 10 in the morning when i was on my way home from sucat with my family. As we passed by Roxas boulevard we were caught in a terrible traffic because they said that the "tulay" was closed that got all of us thinking, why? so we took the taft way and finally arrived home and i straightly went to school for class. It was only when i got to school that i knew of the hostage taking in Quirino. I did not know how serious it was until i got back home from school around 6-7 in the evening. as i watched in the TV and nervously waiting for something to happen, i was paused with a question that i'm sure other's would ask, "Where is the president?" Firings happened, breaking of windows and lastly blood shed. at that time i know majority of the Filipinos were put to silent and sadness in their hearts for what has happened, and still the question remained on my head. "Where is the president." i don't know if it was right for me to automatically look for the president when all the chaos was happening. Maybe it was because i felt him being responsible for what was happening. The night moved on with so many questions in the minds of the people. Morning came and of coarse it was the talk of the town. Critics came talking and different explanations were given and the feeling of sadness was widespread.
During the seminar that we had, we were able to ask some questions to the secretary of DOT regarding the Hostage taking incident, who mentioned how he is willing to answer all the questions but not all at the moment. "it was too big for a new and young administration" the speaker said as he answered the questions during the open forum. when the speaker said this, somehow i understood how it was hard for the administration to handle. i still find it hard on how to react on the incident because i don't know who is it to be blamed in the incident. Should it be the PNP and others, the media or the president? nobody could really blame everybody because i was sure nobody wanted it to happen. "accept responsibility for the blame..." this was a very mature thing for the speaker to say because nobody really asked for what happened but still there should be a responsibility to accept the blame somehow. This incident has shaken the country today and i think it's best if we share our sympathy to those who were harmed by the incident and hope for the better.
During the seminar that we had, we were able to ask some questions to the secretary of DOT regarding the Hostage taking incident, who mentioned how he is willing to answer all the questions but not all at the moment. "it was too big for a new and young administration" the speaker said as he answered the questions during the open forum. when the speaker said this, somehow i understood how it was hard for the administration to handle. i still find it hard on how to react on the incident because i don't know who is it to be blamed in the incident. Should it be the PNP and others, the media or the president? nobody could really blame everybody because i was sure nobody wanted it to happen. "accept responsibility for the blame..." this was a very mature thing for the speaker to say because nobody really asked for what happened but still there should be a responsibility to accept the blame somehow. This incident has shaken the country today and i think it's best if we share our sympathy to those who were harmed by the incident and hope for the better.
SEMCDA: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
"You are the number one ambassadors of your country.""experience is the best teacher." these are one of the many things i would quote that the speaker during the seminar said. He is the secretary of Department of Tourism and his name is Mr. Domingo. I was not able to get his family name but if people would see him i know they would know who he is. Yes he speaks in behalf of the country because that is he's job. He promotes the country by word of mouth and no questions asked he is good at it. But aside from it being just his job, he made an impact on me. Given that our country is nothing compared to US or France, but he speaks about our country it's like it is the other way around. it is a sad truth that even the Filipinos themselves disown their country and its a shame that we ourselves are the first ones to say that our country is not good enough to be in it. often times we belittle our country because it only brings shame to us but what we really don't see is that the image of the country does not depend on the material things the country has but its people. The main product of our country is us, it's citizens, and not the wealth, size and others but the people itself. This is something that we Filipinos do not know and often neglect. If we could only learn how to love our country then its another way of loving ourselves. So that when asked "what have you done for your country?" you would actually have something to say and brag about. it's about time that we accept what is ours and what is given to us and start being content with it and learn to love it.
The last statement that Mr. Domingo left us that i continue to run a thousand times in my mind, the statement that keeps me believing in our country is "you can write a page or two about the negative things in your country, but a book of the wonderful things."
You, what have you done for your country?
The last statement that Mr. Domingo left us that i continue to run a thousand times in my mind, the statement that keeps me believing in our country is "you can write a page or two about the negative things in your country, but a book of the wonderful things."
You, what have you done for your country?
Group activity: Issue of Human Traffickin in Eurasia
During the group activity, we were given different tasks to do. these tasks were to assign each member of what department to be who will take part in creating a foreign policy on the assigned issue. The issue we tackled on was the issue of Human trafficking specifically in Europe. So we were given departments and asked to make a stand regarding the issue and at the end of the day with our stands regarding the issue, we were able to create a foreign policy that was a product of collaboration where all parts and sectors of the country was represented and given a voice in the creation of the policy.
I think that this is what the lessons wanted us to realize. That the process of creating a foreign policy does not solely rely on a single person or actor but all the actors involved. with everyone cooperating and doing their part, no doubt a just foreign policy can be created.
I think that this is what the lessons wanted us to realize. That the process of creating a foreign policy does not solely rely on a single person or actor but all the actors involved. with everyone cooperating and doing their part, no doubt a just foreign policy can be created.
43rd anniversary foundation of ASEAN
It was only during the celebration of the 43rd anniversary foundation of ASEAN that the new president clearly laid out his concerns and ideas regarding the countries foreign relationships especially with the ASEAN. This was what the class was waiting for in the days of PNOY's presidency simply because our class was about Philippines Foreign Relations. As CDA students, we see the value of ASEAN to our country because it has been clearly explained to us. but as we discussed about PNOY's speech, i personally did not see the weight of value of ASEAN to the country. I was glad that the administration will continue to abide by the rules and norms of the ASEAN charter but i think it was not enough to just follow. If there were efforts and plans on how to strengthen our relationship with the ASEAN i would be more glad because atleast we are doing something and not be just plain followers. As one of the founding memebers of the association, it just necessary that we not only take part in its processes but also contribute.
I just hope that in the coming days, the new administration would have better plans and ideas when it comes to our foreign policies with other countries or organizations.
I just hope that in the coming days, the new administration would have better plans and ideas when it comes to our foreign policies with other countries or organizations.
ASEAN foundation (43rd anniversary)
During the first SONA of PNOY he did not mention anything concerning about the countries relationship with the international world. This was only until the 43rd anniversary of the foundation of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) where the Philippines is one if the founding members.
ASEAN allows all the countries under it to interact with each other and create a good relationship that leads to a brighter future. Aside from ASEAN, there are also lots of other countries with whom the country has strong relationships because they make a big difference in the improvement of the country. US is the most valued relationship with the country considers, another is China, Japan, OIC and other international organizations and countries there are. The country values bilateral relations with China and Japan because these are the two countries who are most powerful in the Asian region and all other political reasons. Another is the OIC(organization of Islamic countries) because we have to consider that we have Muslim brothers and sisters in the country and since there are also Filipino citizens in Islamic countries, our relationship with the OIC will help in safeguarding the lives of and assuring the safety of Filipinos in Islamic countries. Also the OIC can help us in solving domestic issues and will strengthen & broaden mutually supportive arrangements to advance reconciliation & secure abiding prosperity in the country.
There is a great need for us to take good care of our relationships with other country. Although we should not forget our sovereignty when it comes to this, still we need to keep in mind that good governance requires a measure of sacrifice of sovereignty to achieve cooperation and prosperity not only to the country but around the world.
ASEAN allows all the countries under it to interact with each other and create a good relationship that leads to a brighter future. Aside from ASEAN, there are also lots of other countries with whom the country has strong relationships because they make a big difference in the improvement of the country. US is the most valued relationship with the country considers, another is China, Japan, OIC and other international organizations and countries there are. The country values bilateral relations with China and Japan because these are the two countries who are most powerful in the Asian region and all other political reasons. Another is the OIC(organization of Islamic countries) because we have to consider that we have Muslim brothers and sisters in the country and since there are also Filipino citizens in Islamic countries, our relationship with the OIC will help in safeguarding the lives of and assuring the safety of Filipinos in Islamic countries. Also the OIC can help us in solving domestic issues and will strengthen & broaden mutually supportive arrangements to advance reconciliation & secure abiding prosperity in the country.
There is a great need for us to take good care of our relationships with other country. Although we should not forget our sovereignty when it comes to this, still we need to keep in mind that good governance requires a measure of sacrifice of sovereignty to achieve cooperation and prosperity not only to the country but around the world.
Visiting Forces Agreement (US-RP)
VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) between the US and the country is a bilateral agreement between the two countries, with a goal of helping each other in all possible means and most importantly in military alliance. This has been implemented year 1998 up to now. all other facts were discussed in class and i will continue to explain what it is as i move one.
US being a super power and all other reasons why it is being glorified. Doesn't that make you wonder they still need to go make agreement with other countries like us? An answer to this question is because US needs ports, training facilities and logistical bases for their continuing participation, occupation of and war activities on different parts of the world. Philippines needs agreements like this because we are allies of the US and this would strengthen the bond we have with the US. Personally, i believe that this agreement is only one way when it comes to advantages. One -way in the sense that only the US will benefit from it and we suffer consequences that out numbers the benefits we could get, if there are any. One reason why i disagree to this agreement is 1) it is considered a bilateral agreement for the Philippines while it is only an executive order in the US. Why is this a big deal? because being it a bilateral agreement for the phil means that we value the agreement and that we thought of it many times before allowing it. When you say executive order, it means that it was only ordered by the president and the decision does not represent the decision of the country as a whole. another is that the special privileges we give to the US soldiers are too much. the same privileges that we give to ambassadors should be exclusive to ambassadors only because we all know their capabilities and their profession. but to give these to soldiers who hold guns and weapons, this should not be. another is them not being held reliable for the actions they are and will be doing in the country. Another is the hazard from nuclear arms brought by US warships and planes.
stating all this and other more, i call for a change in this agreement. I am not entirely against the idea but i think the contents of the agreement should be further thought about and be equal in getting benefits. I understand that we need the ally the US gives us but this should not set aside our national interests and safety of our people.
US being a super power and all other reasons why it is being glorified. Doesn't that make you wonder they still need to go make agreement with other countries like us? An answer to this question is because US needs ports, training facilities and logistical bases for their continuing participation, occupation of and war activities on different parts of the world. Philippines needs agreements like this because we are allies of the US and this would strengthen the bond we have with the US. Personally, i believe that this agreement is only one way when it comes to advantages. One -way in the sense that only the US will benefit from it and we suffer consequences that out numbers the benefits we could get, if there are any. One reason why i disagree to this agreement is 1) it is considered a bilateral agreement for the Philippines while it is only an executive order in the US. Why is this a big deal? because being it a bilateral agreement for the phil means that we value the agreement and that we thought of it many times before allowing it. When you say executive order, it means that it was only ordered by the president and the decision does not represent the decision of the country as a whole. another is that the special privileges we give to the US soldiers are too much. the same privileges that we give to ambassadors should be exclusive to ambassadors only because we all know their capabilities and their profession. but to give these to soldiers who hold guns and weapons, this should not be. another is them not being held reliable for the actions they are and will be doing in the country. Another is the hazard from nuclear arms brought by US warships and planes.
stating all this and other more, i call for a change in this agreement. I am not entirely against the idea but i think the contents of the agreement should be further thought about and be equal in getting benefits. I understand that we need the ally the US gives us but this should not set aside our national interests and safety of our people.
PNOY and GMA SOMA
The assignment asked for us to do was to compare and contrast two SONA's of two presidents. I chose to compare the SONA's of GMA and PNOY.
First SONA's:
As i read through the first SONA of Gloria Arroyo you could see how promising her words were and how she even had little kids to become proof to what she plans. She promised for more work to be open, a modernized agricultural sector, equality in her administration and all follow up projects of what her ex-president father has done. Gloria had this things in her first sona while PNOY had lots of indirect "arroyo administration" in his speech. At every plans he made began with a problem caused by the past administration. Im not saying this is bad but this paints a clear picture of the difference of the two SONA's. Arroyo mentioned a complete plan package: local and interational, while Pnoy only mentioned plans within the country.
Last SONA's:
The last SONA of GMA was perhaps the most interesting and controversial to me. Why? because there were lots of write-ups about it and i myself can see how she still tried to clean her name as she stated her last SONA. The last SONA of GMA was mostly her clarifying accusations on her administration and answering questions about her presidency. But basically the only important thing that the people were waiting for was whether she runs again for presidency or will she not. If you can read the past last SONA's of other presidents, you would see how they with all pride pass on their seats to their successors and hope for the best to happen. but in GMA's last SONA she mentioned only once about her successor but still with a follow-up of an attack to her ctitics. Now we know that PNOY has not yet had a last SONA but as to how i predict or see it, i have a feeling that he would of course mention about his fulfillment and challenges he has experienced and how he would proudly pass on his administration to another one.
First SONA's:
As i read through the first SONA of Gloria Arroyo you could see how promising her words were and how she even had little kids to become proof to what she plans. She promised for more work to be open, a modernized agricultural sector, equality in her administration and all follow up projects of what her ex-president father has done. Gloria had this things in her first sona while PNOY had lots of indirect "arroyo administration" in his speech. At every plans he made began with a problem caused by the past administration. Im not saying this is bad but this paints a clear picture of the difference of the two SONA's. Arroyo mentioned a complete plan package: local and interational, while Pnoy only mentioned plans within the country.
Last SONA's:
The last SONA of GMA was perhaps the most interesting and controversial to me. Why? because there were lots of write-ups about it and i myself can see how she still tried to clean her name as she stated her last SONA. The last SONA of GMA was mostly her clarifying accusations on her administration and answering questions about her presidency. But basically the only important thing that the people were waiting for was whether she runs again for presidency or will she not. If you can read the past last SONA's of other presidents, you would see how they with all pride pass on their seats to their successors and hope for the best to happen. but in GMA's last SONA she mentioned only once about her successor but still with a follow-up of an attack to her ctitics. Now we know that PNOY has not yet had a last SONA but as to how i predict or see it, i have a feeling that he would of course mention about his fulfillment and challenges he has experienced and how he would proudly pass on his administration to another one.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mindanao Peace Process
Even though i don't always watch TV for news and discuss with people what is currently happening in the world or the country, i somehow manage to get a little information of other things but not always. its not that i don't want to know anything about what's happening in my country but its because i dont really have the time to ask questions and watch the tv for the news. But someimes, o carefree i may seem, when a conflict happens and it becomes so big of an issue that even people like me won't miss hearing about it.
The Mindanao conflict started more than a decade ago and its impact has made many filipinos aware because of the chaos it has created. i know what's happening in Mindanao but what i know was not enough to understand why such a thing is happening. It was of great help when we discussed in class about the Mindanao incidents and the peace processes that's happening. i just can't help but ask myself why has the conflict not been solved when there is already this so called "peace process" that's happening. There had already been two presidents that tried to solve this problem but none has yet shown any solutions to the problem. In discussing about the peace process that has been happening, Malaysia was mentioned as one of the actors involved in the process for about ten years already. If this is so, then why hasn't there been any changes? different issues were discussed in the class and its just now that i realized deeper reasons to what is the truth about what's happening in Mindanao. I really felt sad for our co-Filipinos in the region who are affected with what's happening.
I agree that maybe there is a need to change the actors participating in the Moro Peace processes. Perhaps someone whom we don't have issues currently and in the past with. I really hope there would be an end to this problem and that the new administration knows what to do and make the right decisions to be made regarding the issue.
The Mindanao conflict started more than a decade ago and its impact has made many filipinos aware because of the chaos it has created. i know what's happening in Mindanao but what i know was not enough to understand why such a thing is happening. It was of great help when we discussed in class about the Mindanao incidents and the peace processes that's happening. i just can't help but ask myself why has the conflict not been solved when there is already this so called "peace process" that's happening. There had already been two presidents that tried to solve this problem but none has yet shown any solutions to the problem. In discussing about the peace process that has been happening, Malaysia was mentioned as one of the actors involved in the process for about ten years already. If this is so, then why hasn't there been any changes? different issues were discussed in the class and its just now that i realized deeper reasons to what is the truth about what's happening in Mindanao. I really felt sad for our co-Filipinos in the region who are affected with what's happening.
I agree that maybe there is a need to change the actors participating in the Moro Peace processes. Perhaps someone whom we don't have issues currently and in the past with. I really hope there would be an end to this problem and that the new administration knows what to do and make the right decisions to be made regarding the issue.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
P-NOY SONA
i have to admit that the SONA of P-NOY was the first ever SONA that i have watched and really listened to because i know he would have something interesting to say and it was just now that i cared about what our leader has to say.
The winning of P-Noy in the 2010 elections has really made a big mark in our history because, again, the filipino people has come together so their voice would be heard. I could still remember how other critics i see in TV would say that PNOY would not have chance on winning because of the sympathy he has from the people that will stay for only just a while and also that he's only overshadowed by the names of his parents. I guess that proves them wrong now. discussing each points on P-NOY's SONA i see that PNOY has mentioned first the mistakes of the past administration then using it he explained his plans on what kind of administration he aims to have. It was clear. he wants an honest and corrupt free government. I agree with our Phifocy professor when she said that her fear in this administration is that it would be too busy identifying the mistakes of the past and correcting them all. There is nothing wrong with what PNOY wants to do. Only that it may miss out and forget all other problems there are. Not to mention that there was actually nothing about foreign relations in his speech.
Pnoy has created high hopes for the filipino people and this is something the president has to take care of. SONA can be considered as one of the first speeches of PNOY and he will have more of it in the future. Though he did not mention any foreign plans i hope he will in the future.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Foreign Policy Making
Foreign Policy are set of objectives or guidelines that a state pursues with other external actors. This was how foreign policy was defined in one of my other major subjects. Defining in this very simple way helped me understand the complex definition of foreign policy. Foreign Policy has 2 aspects or important duties. One is formulation and the other is implementation. Implementation is usually done by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the formulation is done by the executive branch of the government with the recognition of the DFA also. Both are important aspect but i personally believe that it is the Formulating process that is most important. the policymaking process is not like any other process of formulating something. Since it talks about policies needed it is only necessary that it should be thought of carefully. This process should always not forget the three main elements of Foreign policy which are political stability, economic development, and protection of nationals and foreign policies should be made inline with this three elements. It was also only now that i knew about the factors that influence the making of foreign policy. This were the nature of government, the type of society or political culture , legal norms, constitutions/ fundamental law, economic state and international climate which talks about what is going on outside the country. Thing is the reason why we have good or bad relationships with other states and filipinos outside the country are taken cared of is also because of our foreign policies.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Philippine History
Imperialism is a thing of the past where strong empires use acquisition of different territories and exploit the resources of these countries. Some of the famous empires in the past were the Spanish empire, British empire, american empire, Japanese empire and a lot more. These empires colonized different countries around the world and use the riches they get to expand. Although the goal of imperialism is to acquire territories, the acquiring part never really lasted because of so much empires there are.
Like any other countries, Philippines had been colonized by so many different colonizers in the past. Each of these colonizers, before they left, had legacies that until now remains in our culture as part of our history. History of something is really significant for me because then you would know why they came to be. The first ever colonizer of the Philippines are the Spanish. it was them who taught our elders the language of espanyol. We can also see through the faces of our ancestors that somehow they have a touch of spanish in them. After the spaniards, the country was then colonized by the american. During the american occupation there were actually good things that they brought in the country. They gave us good quality education. They taught us the english language. They introduced catholicism to the filipinos that made us the widest catholic region in the world. They left with us the "western" type of living that until now we have it in us. After the Americans, there were the Japanese. They introduced different types of food like the noodles, siopao, hopia and lots of more. Though there are downsides during their occupation, atleast one way or another they taught us important things such as values and others. During our discussion in class of the countries history that i only realized how important and significant our countries history is. Not only our country but also to our ancestors who were present during the occupation of different empires. It was because of these colonizers that the filipino people learned how to fight back for their country and independence.
Also one very interesting part of the discussion was the one during the Marcos regime. Ever since i knew and heard of Marcos, i had always been intrigued by him. i have heard so much about him and how he was as a leader. There has always been questions on how was Marcos as a leader for our country and what really went wrong during his administration.
We filipinos are maybe one of the most western-embracing nation. For so many years that we have been living our lives within the context of the western. Our style of clothes, words, and even mentality slowly has become very american. it is not bad to embrace the western way of living because its inevitable. My point is that it's about time that we filipinos live the filipino way but still open to changes but not entirely. i'm just afraid that someday the filipino way would be replaced by the western way.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
MIDTERM PAPER
“Legal obligations that exist but cannot be enforced are ghosts that are seen in the law but are elusive to grasp.” (J. HOLMES)
In the so many years that the Philippine’s Foreign policies have been created and enacted upon, it has done great deals of development to many parts of our country’s economy and relationship with foreign countries. Going back to basic information, Philippine foreign policy is considered to be an extension of domestic policy. It provides different types of approaches in strengthening our ties with different foreign countries and as well as their relationship with us. The policies made by country are directed to three main goals: Preservation and enhancement of national security, Promotion and attainment of economic security, Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas. This three so-called pillars of foreign policy tackles all other sub-topics necessary, but I want to specifically discuss only one: The protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas or plain Protection of nationals.
A Filipino overseas is a person who is born in the Philippines and is living outside of the country either for work or other reasons. There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, about 11% of the total population of the Philippines[1]. And the remittances they get actually helps in the economy. Remittances by OFWs grew by 7 percent to $4.339 billion in the first quarter of the year from $4.057 billion a year earlier.
Last year, the money transferred by OFWs to relatives in the Philippines went up by 5.4 percent to a record $17.348 billion from $16.426 billion.[2] But the sad part of this is that Filipino’s overseas face a lot of dangers staying in a place that counts them as a least priority. In places like Saudi Arabia, Iraq and other Middle East countries some Filipino workers who are vulnerable with the situation get killed in bombings and shoot outs, some are sexually harassed, and treated as slaves. In Europe some are trafficked to be sex slaves and maltreated. Some Filipino’s in other parts of the world who commits crimes are sentenced with death penalty. The latter implies that final judgment of conviction has already been reached and the Filipinos concerned are simply awaiting execution. As of July 2010, there are 102 active OFW death penalty cases. Of these, 16 are OFWs in the Middle East who are charged with murder/homicide (including rape/robbery with murder). Seventy-four involve drug-related cases, most of which are in China, while three are non-drug related cases[3]. These are few of the problems that Filipino’s abroad experience and obviously there should be something done with it. This is where Philippine Foreign Policies come into picture. The Executive branch of the Philippine government decides what policy, and to what state will the policy apply to, and will address the different problems mentioned above. In Article II section four of the 1987 constitution of the Philippines, it says that the prime duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. So it is just necessary that the Philippine government do whatever it takes to be of service to the Filipino people be it inside or outside the country. It was because of the unity of the Filipino people that the country has achieved its independence from its colonizers before and it will also be because of the Filipino people, specifically the government, that will protect and serve their co-Filipino workers abroad, who greatly help the economy. Luckily, the Philippine govt. has not let its people down and does every possible means to protect the Filipino abroad.
Some of the departments in country that has done steps in protecting nationals abroad is The Philippine Overseas employment Administration (POEA), Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA), Office of the Undersecretary for Special and Ocean Concerns (OUSOC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of National Defense (DND). These offices are just some of the offices that help in protecting Filipino workers all over the world. They play very important roles in making policies that caters to the problems the Filipino workers outside of the country experiences. The POEA is tasked to accredit al legal recruitment agencies in the country going to other countries abroad. They process the papers of the workers and register them for insurances. The office also provides pre-employment seminars and monitor conditions of the workers abroad. They also provide legal assistance to victims of illegal recruitment and if violations are made they also make sure that there will be humanly and reasonable sanctions for offenders[4]. The OUMWA, under the Department of foreign affairs, and created by Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, helps the secretary and provides advice on matters that include formulating and execution of the country’s foreign policies in protecting the dignity, rights, and freedom of Filipino citizens abroad, while giving particular attention to the protection and promotion of the welfare and dignity of overseas Filipinos and deliver this approach timely to Filipino nationals. It is the third pillar of Philippine foreign policy and one of the highest priority concerns of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Foreign Service Posts.[5] The OUSOC aids the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and provides him advice on matters relating to special issues like Maritime and Ocean Concerns, Territorial Concerns, Overseas Absentee Voting, Dual Citizenship, Children in Armed Conflict, Human Rights Issues, Counter Terrorism, and Peace Processes that can also greatly affect Filipino nationals.[6] Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Promotes gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare and maintain industrial peace. The scope of protection of nationals obviously does not only apply to Filipino’s abroad but also Filipino’s in the country, and so DND is in-charge of the protection of nationals in the country. There are also certain committees created by the government to protect nationals. Created in the year 2003 is the Philippine Human Rights Committee (PHRC). The committee gives aid to the president and provides advice in effectively addressing arising problems on Human Rights in the country and also abroad. The committee is part of the body whose stand makes a difference in the decision making of foreign and local policy making in the country.
We have to admit that it is not as easy as a snap of a finger to be able to make a foreign policy that perfectly works. It is a product of thorough thinking, brainstorming, and rational decision-making. A living proof of the actions made is the establishing of Regional Consular offices all around the country so that every small parts of the country gets reached by the service for persons who have plans of getting passports and the like. Another is the “labor deployment ban in five specific countries” this prohibits the sending of Filipino workers to countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Nigeria following an assessment of the security and labor conditions in said countries. “Our purpose is to keep away our overseas workers from harm and avoid further risks to their lives," DFA Undersecretary for Migrants Workers' Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. said explaining the purpose of the ban. The security situation in Afghanistan, according to the DFA Undersecretary, remains unstable and volatile. Last March 20, a Filipino carpenter was killed and another injured in a rocket attack in Kandahar. There is an existing labor and travel ban to Iraq due to continuing security concerns. Labor deployment to Nigeria is also on hold, especially to those working or traversing the Niger Delta, the hotbed of local militancy. With the improved security situation in Lebanon, the lifting of the labor deployment ban is being considered given some progress in the conclusion of a bilateral labor cooperation agreement that will ensure the protection of the welfare of Filipino workers, specifically minimum wage, reasonable rest periods and decent working and living conditions. The Government issued the ban to Lebanon in 2006. There is also a current ban in the deployment of household workers to Jordan.[7] Considering the loss of job for worker the DFA is to establish bilateral agreements with each of the countries to address the issues of security and protection of Filipinos. Anti Trafficking in Persons act of 2003 is a foreign policy of the Philippines that makes trafficking in persons, protection and support of trafficked persons a crime. This act also provides for the establishment of the Council for Anti - Trafficking in Persons. The act formulates policies to eliminate trafficking in persons especially women and children, establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked persons, providing sanctions and penalties for violators and other purposes.[8] There are instances that some Filipinos abroad violate laws abroad and since they are under the jurisdiction of the state they have to follow their laws and penalties for violators. Filipinos have cases of being sentenced of death penalty. Although it is not legal on our country we cannot question their way of government. But what our country can do is talk to the state involved and come to a compromise. Our Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is extending full legal and other assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) involved in death penalty cases all over the world. Legal counsel assists all the accused OFWs and regularly updates on the status of their cases and is submitted by the concerned embassies or consulates general to the DFA. The Philippine Government has mediated regularly through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the President, on behalf of numerous OFWs with death penalty cases. The DFA recommends further Presidential intercessions as the need arises. As a result, Since January 2006, through the efforts of the DFA, 35 impositions of death penalty have been commuted to life imprisonment. Of these, 15 were already sent back to the Philippines while 20 are currently serving commuted sentences.[9] As proof of the Philippines’ close ties with other states and result of having a healthy relationship with them, some countries help us in promoting Human rights in the country. The European Union is supporting Philippines in its goal of solving issues on human rights. Today, the two countries has launched Philippine-EU Justice Support Program (EPJUST) that aims to assist the Philippine Government in addressing the problems of extralegal killings and enforced disappearances. The program was signed on 8 October 2009 by Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, Chairman of the Presidential Human Rights Committee, and EU Ambassador Alistair McDonald for the European Union. The EPJUST is an 18-month-long program, with an approved budget of €3.9 million, which will assist the Philippine Government, particularly the criminal justice system and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and civil society organizations (CSOs), in solving extralegal killings and enforced disappearances.[10] Under the project, the EU offers to provide technical assistance in the country in forms such as sending a EU Expert Team that will help and provide advice in developing and enhancing the capacity of the Philippine government in combating problems on human rights in the country. Undersecretary Severo S. Catura, the Executive Director of its secretariat, explained that the "Philippine government has clear directions and takes pride in milestones in its human rights advocacy." He cited numerous steps to address all allegations of human rights violations, such as the following:
- Creation of several investigative groups to work on the issue of unexplained killings, such as the Melo Commission,7 Task Force Usig,8 and Task Force 211.9 In support of this, the PHRC, in partnership with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Supreme Court's Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), began the consolidation of all human rights cases under a standard databank.
- Engagement of the civil society groups through monthly Human Rights Forums led by the PHRC, which is now on its fourth session. This resulted in the creation of the Philippine OPCAT Working Group, Multi-sectoral Partnership Against Disappearances, and the Multi-sectoral Partnership for the Protection of Migrant Workers' Rights. The PHRC also requests appropriate agencies to look into all human rights cases referred to it by civil society groups from around the world.
- Continuing human rights education and training for
- law enforcement organizations in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP). PHRC proposed an assessment of the impact of all on-going human rights education and training activities of the CHRP.
- Lawyers and paralegals by the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) to ensure the effective prosecution of extrajudicial killings. - Support for appropriate legislative actions, such as the enhancement of the CHRP Charter, the anti-torture law, anti-discrimination bill, and other related legislative actions.
- Setting up of institutionalized mechanisms, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) to address human rights abuses reported in relation to the peace process between the Philippine government and the local Communist movement. This is in line with the policy of the Philippine government that human rights shall remain a component of the peace process.[11]
The protection of Filipino nationals is a very significant pillar in creating foreign policies because this talk about safeguarding the life of every Filipino that makes up our country so it is just right to put great importance to their safety especially when they are no longer under our jurisdiction when they are abroad. Surely criticisms are inevitable and also challenges but these challenges are the reason why there are improvement. Considering that it is not the only thing to consider in policy making, the giving of importance to all the other factors, as a result, make up what’s called a good governance. Altogether, if all foreign policies are in line with its major pillars to consider, we will surely have effective, necessary, and just policies. We see that the Philippines have suffered a lot and have made many wrongful decisions in the past but not all. With a new leader and a new administration ahead of us, there is a need for everybody to take part in governing the country, that each of us must contribute in our own little ways, the people should not be afraid of questioning the government and its governance, we should make sure that we are informed of whatever it is that happening in our country, with this all else follows including the credibility and necessity of Philippine Foreign Policies.
[1] Table 30. Stock Estimate of Overseas Filipinos As of December 2007
[2] http://www.gmanews.tv/story/191757/new-system-to-slash-ofw-remittance-fees-says-bsp
[3] http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/dfa-releases/1572-dfa-closely-monitoring-and-extending-full-assistance-to-ofws-in-death-penalty-cases
[4] http://www.poea.gov.ph/html/services.htm
[5] http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/office-of-the-undersecretary-migrant-a-workers-affairs
[6] http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/office-of-the-undersecretary-for-special-concerns
[7] http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/advisory/travel-advisory/travel-advisory/121-labor-deployment-ban-to-five-countries-remains-
[8] http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno9208.html
[9] http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/dfa-releases/1572-dfa-closely-monitoring-and-extending-full-assistance-to-ofws-in-death-penalty-cases
[10] http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/news-from-rp-embassies/727-philippines-and-european-union-launch-39-million-justice-support-project
[11] http://www.hurights.or.jp/archives/focus/section2/2010/03/human-rights-in-the-philippines-government-response.html
Miss im sorry for the late post.. i had to attend the burial of my tita and go to her 5 days wake.
Monday, July 5, 2010
JULY 5 ACTIVITY
1.What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy? What other institutions help or assist the DFA in releasing foreign policies?
-The department of foreign affairs advises and assists the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, integrating and evaluating the total national effort in the field of foreign relations in pursuit of its constitutional mandates. (http://www.dbm.gov.ph/OPIF_2007/dfa.pdf)
Also to implement the 3 pillars of the Philippine foreign policy : 1.Preservation and enhancement of national security, 2. Promotion and attainment of economic security, 3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas. institutions like DTI, POEA, DOLE, and etc. help or assist the DFA in releasing foreign policies.
2. Enumerate the eight foreign policy realities of former pres. Arroyo. for each reality find 2-3 related news articles and then make an analysis as to what extent did the Arroyo administration work to implement the said realities?
These eight foreign policy realities are:
3. With the assistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the president that drafts state policies. What do you think will be included in pres. Noynoy aquino's foreign policy list now that he has assumed the presidency? Identify five issues and find news clippings(at least one for each issue) to support your answer.
President Benigno Aquino has sent out word that foreign policy will be an important pillar of his government and that he wants the foreign service to play a stronger role in advancing Filipino interests around the globe. To promote and protect Filipino interests overseas by strengthening national security, promoting economic stability and protecting the rights of more than eight million overseas Filipino workers. This is included in the foreign policy list of president Aquino. (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/20553-foreign-policy-under-aquino)
-The department of foreign affairs advises and assists the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, integrating and evaluating the total national effort in the field of foreign relations in pursuit of its constitutional mandates. (http://www.dbm.gov.ph/OPIF_2007/dfa.pdf)
Also to implement the 3 pillars of the Philippine foreign policy : 1.Preservation and enhancement of national security, 2. Promotion and attainment of economic security, 3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas. institutions like DTI, POEA, DOLE, and etc. help or assist the DFA in releasing foreign policies.
2. Enumerate the eight foreign policy realities of former pres. Arroyo. for each reality find 2-3 related news articles and then make an analysis as to what extent did the Arroyo administration work to implement the said realities?
These eight foreign policy realities are:
· China, Japan and the United States and their relationship will be a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia;
- This was a peace process that was taken into action during the Arroyo administration and was suspended for a moment. seeing what the program was supposed to do, I honestly think that it was not able to do what it was made for. The program was left behind by Arroyo administration and is now expected to be continued by newly elected P-Noy.
-Japan-Philippines Joint Statement "Fostering a Strategic Partnership for the Future between Close Neighbors"
-this is also known as JPEPA that was created to overcome the present economic crisis and further strengthen the bilateral relations of Japan and Philippines. This agreement took long in the senate before it was ratified for it gave some disadvantages but was eventually ratified.· Philippine foreign policy decisions have to be made in the context of ASEAN;
Arroyo to leave for Asean summit in Thailand Friday
-
Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration on the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community (2009-2015)
· The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the Philippines;
-this plan of arroyo planned to attain peace in the county especially in Mindanao part. this plan was said to be achieved in the year 2010 and as what we see now is that nothing has happened to it.
· The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and inter-regional organizations to promote common interests;
· As an archipelagic state, the defense of the nation's sovereignty and the protection of its environment and natural resources can be carried out only to the extent that it asserts its rights over the maritime territory and gets others to respect those rights;
· The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments;
· The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism
· Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in the country's economic and social stability.
I have not honestly known any other news articles that were related to former pres Arroyo's 8 realities. But i know that one way or another she tried to accomplish all of these realities. Only that it was not enough to improve the economy.3. With the assistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the president that drafts state policies. What do you think will be included in pres. Noynoy aquino's foreign policy list now that he has assumed the presidency? Identify five issues and find news clippings(at least one for each issue) to support your answer.
President Benigno Aquino has sent out word that foreign policy will be an important pillar of his government and that he wants the foreign service to play a stronger role in advancing Filipino interests around the globe. To promote and protect Filipino interests overseas by strengthening national security, promoting economic stability and protecting the rights of more than eight million overseas Filipino workers. This is included in the foreign policy list of president Aquino. (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/20553-foreign-policy-under-aquino)
BUDGET DEFICIT
The Philippines, Asia's largest sovereign issuer of offshore debt, is on course to post its second successive record budget deficit in nominal terms this year, largely due to its failure to substantially lift state revenues despite a major sales tax reform in 2005.
The outgoing administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ended 2009 with a budget deficit of 3.9 percent of GDP, or 298.5 billion pesos ($6.4 billion), a record in peso terms, and it expected a shortfall of 3.6 percent of GDP or around 300 billion pesos this year.
That forecast will be reviewed by Aquino's team, as the deficit for the first five months of 2010 was 162.1 billion pesos, more than the first-half target of 145.2 billion pesos.
CORRUPTION Aquino has vowed to run after smugglers and tax evaders but that campaign is unlikely to raise state revenues immediately. He also promised a clean and honest government, punishment for corrupt officials and a better investment environment. He is setting up a "Truth Commission" to investigate allegations of corruption, poll fraud and rights abuses of the Arroyo administration. Arroyo, in office for 9-½ years, was hounded by a string of controversies, including that her family and political allies benefitted from government deals. She denies any wrongdoing. SECURITY Aquino will need to address peace and security issues across the archipelago of 7,100 islands. He plans to double defence spending to 2 percent of GDP, but that may not be enough to quell the country's twin insurgencies. Security issues, particularly in the south, are a major impediment to foreign investment and development of resource-rich Mindanao island. Negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group, are bogged down by issues such as territory, wealth and power-sharing, although a shaky ceasefire was re-established in mid-2009. (http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49767120100630) 4. How significant is the association of south east asian nations(ASEAN) in the phil. foreign policy? - the ASEAN is very significant in the Philippine foreign policy because, not only that we are one of its founding members, but also because the countries that build up ASEAN are our neighboring countries. the countries belonging to ASEAN are countries that we have agreements with. If not for the establishment of ASEAN, philippines would have not made diplomatic relationships with other countries and this means lesser economic development because of no exports and imports. ASEAN is as significant as the countries we have relationships with.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
One World: Many theories; Rival theories
"Why should policymakers and practitioners care about the scholarly study of international affairs? Those who conduct foreign policy often dismiss academic theorists..." - Stephen Walt (One World, Many Theories)
As i was asked to read about an author with the name of S. Walt entitled "One World, Many Theories" i had the slightest idea that it was going to be about the theories used in the international and national sphere and how it's "thinkers" defend and argue how their ideologies suite best a states interest. The book was not new with the information of certain theories that i have read already.
I knew about the different theories there are. Realism was the ism that considers its state as the main actor. and that if this gets threaten all means are necessary to safeguard the state even if it means war. This ism emphasize on competition and compares other states as of a human being who has this innate desire to dominate others and so leads to war again a co-man thus war of state against other states. Another ism is liberalism, which is the counterpart of the realist perspective. This theory believes in economic interdependence, democracy and most importantly in the role of non-state actors which are the I.O.'s, NGO's, MNC's and others. That these non-state actors can help in achieving world cooperation and peace. Democracy is a must because "Democratic states don't to go war with each other"(Kant). All other theories were called radical traditions. Under this are Constructivism(Idealism) the ism that replaced Marxism. This isms main focus is on ideas, identities of states, and their discourse. This ism was a challenge to the two other theories and claims to have answered the questions realism and liberalism were not able to answer and problems other theories were not able to have solutions to. These theories are also considered rival theories because each theory is created as an answer to the problems of the other theory. The Rivalry among these theory is actually a secret ingredient in the improvement of the theories.
No doubt that all these theories were for a purpose and explained certain phenomenon into being more understandable. This things were not that hard for me to understand because I have been learning it for how man years now but I have to admit that there are still things and ideas that surprises me. After reading and discussing in class the two books i saw how intelligently the theories were created and how critical it explains things an ordinary person would not understand. Theories drew a concrete line to explain this abstract world and it further does as time passes by and i would love to learn more about this things and their interconnectedness.
As i was asked to read about an author with the name of S. Walt entitled "One World, Many Theories" i had the slightest idea that it was going to be about the theories used in the international and national sphere and how it's "thinkers" defend and argue how their ideologies suite best a states interest. The book was not new with the information of certain theories that i have read already.
I knew about the different theories there are. Realism was the ism that considers its state as the main actor. and that if this gets threaten all means are necessary to safeguard the state even if it means war. This ism emphasize on competition and compares other states as of a human being who has this innate desire to dominate others and so leads to war again a co-man thus war of state against other states. Another ism is liberalism, which is the counterpart of the realist perspective. This theory believes in economic interdependence, democracy and most importantly in the role of non-state actors which are the I.O.'s, NGO's, MNC's and others. That these non-state actors can help in achieving world cooperation and peace. Democracy is a must because "Democratic states don't to go war with each other"(Kant). All other theories were called radical traditions. Under this are Constructivism(Idealism) the ism that replaced Marxism. This isms main focus is on ideas, identities of states, and their discourse. This ism was a challenge to the two other theories and claims to have answered the questions realism and liberalism were not able to answer and problems other theories were not able to have solutions to. These theories are also considered rival theories because each theory is created as an answer to the problems of the other theory. The Rivalry among these theory is actually a secret ingredient in the improvement of the theories.
No doubt that all these theories were for a purpose and explained certain phenomenon into being more understandable. This things were not that hard for me to understand because I have been learning it for how man years now but I have to admit that there are still things and ideas that surprises me. After reading and discussing in class the two books i saw how intelligently the theories were created and how critical it explains things an ordinary person would not understand. Theories drew a concrete line to explain this abstract world and it further does as time passes by and i would love to learn more about this things and their interconnectedness.
Expectations
It is my first time to take the PHIFOCY class and i only know a little of what to study in it. The only thing that i know is that it will be a very interesting class and that i would put my best foot forward to learn. As a student i don't really expect too much from my teachers because i know that everything they do and let the students do in class are for the best. I really see the subject as very comprehensive and that it requires many readings, a lot of listening, understanding, and a very critical way of thinking. I only expect the usual things from the class. A very fun and energetic class, since it is a 3 hour class, and a considerate professor which i think we already have. Cheers!
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