EDITORIAL – 120 years of independence

The country celebrates Independence Day today as another country is occupying a Philippine reef, patrolling the Philippines’ maritime exclusive economic zone, and confiscating the catch of Filipinos fishing in a shoal within that EEZ.

As part of its responses, the Philippine government even allows a Chinese military plane – possibly used to patrol the South China Sea – to refuel in Davao.

This weakness aptly reflects the circumstances surrounding the event 120 years ago that is being celebrated today: the founders of the Philippine republic’s declaration of independence from foreign rule as an American naval armada sat in Manila Bay, while Spain was negotiating the sale of its colony to the United States for $20 million. For the next half-century, the Philippines would be a commonwealth under the US.

Clearly, declaring independence must be supported by realities on the ground. Aside from political independence, a sovereign state must be able to protect that sovereignty by developing minimum credible defense capability. While defense alliances are important, they should not mean dependence on others for one’s own defense. It’s a healthy foreign policy; even the country’s allies will appreciate it.

The Duterte administration has issued statements in this direction, but it must be backed by the necessary resources. National defense – even minimum credible defense – does not come cheap. An independent foreign policy, backed by minimum credible defense capability, is best supported by a robust economy.

China managed to become a 21st century military power because of its phenomenal economic growth within the past four decades. A prosperous state can afford to stand on its own feet, becoming as self-reliant as globalization will allow it, and undoubtedly independent.