T o w a r d s a Strategic F r a m e w o r k for Management

of the West Philippine Seal

A W h i t e P a p e r b y the W P S I n f o r m a l E x p e r t G r o u p
S U M M A R Y A N D HIGHLIGHTS
Introduction
T e n s i o n s a m o n g r i v a l claimant-states to the w a t e r s a n d l a n d features of the S o u t h C h i n a
Sea (SCS) - p a r t i c u l a r l y C h i n a , the P h i h p p i n e s a n d V i e t n a m - have escalated s i g n i f i c a n t l y
i n the last several years, b r i n g i n g the P h i l i p p i n e s to center stage as a k e y p a r t i c i p a n t i n
the future of s e c u r i t y a n d s t a b i l i t y i n o u r p a r t of the w o r l d . W h i l e the surge i n
c o n f r o n t a t i o n a l r h e t o r i c a n d actions d i r e c t e d against the P h i l i p p i n e s have a d d e d to the
u r g e n c y of e n s u r i n g c a l i b r a t e d a n d effective responses, the t e r r i t o r i a l a n d resource
d i s p u t e s themselves are not n e w a n d have been the subject of p o l i c y a c t i o n a n d
d e l i b e r a t i o n for decades. The challenges a r i s i n g t h e r e f r o m are not expected to be
r e s o l v e d easily o r soon, b u t w i l l l i k e l y c o n t i n u e to d e m a n d the a t t e n t i o n of g o v e r n m e n t
a n d the F i h p i n o p u b l i c for decades to come.
T h i s W h i t e P a p e r seeks to d r a w the a t t e n t i o n of all c o n c e r n e d F i l i p i n o s t a k e h o l d e r s p a r t i c u l a r l y those in g o v e r n m e n t - to the u r g e n t n e e d for a strategic f r a m e w o r k for the
m a n a g e m e n t of o u r t e r r i t o r i a l , m a r i t i m e j u r i s d i c t i o n , a n d r e s o u r c e d i s p u t e s i n the W e s t
P h i l i p p i n e Sea ( W P S ) . The a u t h o r s are f o r m e r o r c u r r e n t p u b l i c servants, c o m i n g f r o m
v a r i o u s areas of s p e c i a l i z a t i o n , w h o have l o n g b e e n i n v o l v e d i n past i n i t i a t i v e s r e l a t i n g
to P h i h p p i n e p o l i c y i n the W P S .
The p a p e r is not i n t e n d e d to p r o v i d e a n s w e r s to all the p o l i c y questions, but to suggest a
p o h c y agenda, a n d to u n d e r s c o r e the u r g e n t n e e d for a strategic v i s i o n , m o r e p e r m a n e n t
i n s t i t u t i o n s , as w e l l as for m o r e effective a r r a n g e m e n t s for p o l i c y m a k i n g a n d
c o o r d i n a t i o n to address s u c h agenda.
Contextualizing the Philippines and the West Philippine Sea Issues
1.

The P h i l i p p i n e s is a strategically located, r e s o u r c e - r i c h archipelago, l y i n g at the

m a r i t i m e c r o s s r o a d s of N o r t h e a s t a n d Southeast A s i a , a n d c o n n e c t i n g the S o u t h
C h i n a Sea w i t h the Pacific Ocean.
It has b e e n called a q u i n t e s s e n t i a l coastal state, an archipelagic a n d m a r i t i m e n a t i o n
w i t h o v e r 7,000 i s l a n d s , e n t i r e l y s u r r o u n d e d a n d i n t e r c o n n e c t e d b y seas. Not m a n y
t o w n s o r cities i n the c o u n t r y are m o r e t h a n 1 0 0 k m f r o m s h o r e . 7 8 % of its
p r o v i n c e s a n d 5 4 % of m u n i c i p a l i t i e s , a l m o s t a l l major cities, a n d 6 2 % of the
p o p u l a t i o n are coastal. Just as the seas have s h a p e d o u r h i s t o r y a n d the f o r m a t i o n of
the n a t i o n , w e c o n t i n u e to d e p e n d o n t h e m for o u r l i v e l i h o o d a n d welfare, for

^In this paper, the term 'South China Sea' (SCS} refers to the entire semi-enclosed sea bordered by China,
the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. On the other hand, the term 'West Philippine Sea' (WPS}
refers to only the part of the South China Sea that is the subject of Philippine sovereignty and/or
jurisdictional claims. WPS is inclusive of the Kalayaan Island Group or KIG, Bajo de Masinloc (a.k.a. Panatag
or Scarborough Shoal}, and the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ} and Continental Shelf
(CS}, accounted from the archipelagic baselines defined i n Republic Act 9522 (Philippine Baselines Law}.

c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , for defense a n d security, for l e i s u r e a n d the

enjoyment of nature's blessings.
2.

The P h i l i p p i n e s is the 1 2 * m o s t p o p u l o u s c o u n t r y i n the w o r l d . W h i l e e n d o w e d w i t h

c o n s i d e r a b l e m i n e r a l w e a l t h , the w o r l d ' s r i c h e s t m a r i n e b i o d i v e r s i t y a n d a s t r o n g
p o o l of h u m a n resources, w e suffer f r o m w i d e s p r e a d poverty, frequent n a t u r a l
disasters a n d v u l n e r a b i l i t y to climate-change h a z a r d s . Generations of p o o r
governance a n d i n e q u i t a b l e social s t r u c t u r e s have also i m p e d e d e c o n o m i c progress,
especially i n c o m p a r i s o n w i t h r a p i d l y g r o w i n g n e i g h b o r i n g states i n the East A s i a n
region.

3.

The P h i l i p p i n e s has s i g n e d a n d ratified the U n i t e d Nations C o n v e n t i o n o n the L a w of

the Sea [UNCLOS), w h i c h grants coastal states sovereign rights o v e r e c o n o m i c
resources, as w e l l as legal j u r i s d i c t i o n s o v e r certain types of sea-based activities
w i t h i n the 2 0 0 n.m. E E Z a n d the c o n t i n e n t a l shelf m e a s u r e d f r o m t h e i r baselines.
U N C L O S offers the P h i l i p p i n e s major advantages i n t e r m s of access to r e s o u r c e s a n d
s o m e forms of r e g u l a t o r y j u r i s d i c t i o n over t w o m i U i o n square k i l o m e t e r s of w a t e r
a n d the seabed beneath.
T h r o u g h U N C L O S , the P h i l i p p i n e s a n d Indonesia i n t r o d u c e d a n d j o i n e d forces to
gain acceptance of the concept of the archipelagic State. W e successfully s e c u r e d the
i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o m m u n i t y ' s r e c o g n i t i o n of o u r exclusive s o v e r e i g n t y over all w a t e r s
a r o u n d , b e t w e e n a n d c o n n e c t i n g the different i s l a n d s w i t h i n the P h i l i p p i n e
A r c h i p e l a g o , subject to c e r t a i n l i m i t a t i o n s on distances b e t w e e n base p o i n t s .
W i t h o u t the archipelagic State concept e n s h r i n e d i n P a r t IV of the U N C L O S , the
P h i l i p p i n e s w o u l d have r e m a i n e d a s c a t t e r i n g of islands separated b y h i g h seas.
U N C L O S also p r o v i d e s guidance for states w i t h o v e r l a p p i n g j u r i s d i c t i o n a l claims,
w h o m a y t h e n r e s o r t to a range of peaceful d i s p u t e settlement m e c h a n i s m s , a m o n g
t h e m the I n t e r n a t i o n a l T r i b u n a l o n the L a w of the Sea [ITLOS), the I n t e r n a t i o n a l
C o u r t of Justice (ICJ), a n d a r b i t r a t i o n arrangements. A s of June 3, 2 0 1 1 , 163 states
h a d r a t i f i e d the U N C L O S .

4.

The SCS b o r d e r s the e n t i r e w e s t e r n s e a b o a r d of the c o u n t r y . Several k e y p r o v i n c e s

i n c l u d i n g llocos Norte, llocos Sur, L a U n i o n , P a n g a s i n a n , Zambales, B a t a a n , M i n d o r o ,
a n d P a l a w a n face the SCS. T h e sea is e x t r e m e l y significant f r o m a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l
n a v i g a t i o n a l , economic, g e o p o l i t i c a l a n d strategic perspective, thus m a k i n g the
P h i l i p p i n e s strategically i m p o r t a n t .
O i l a n d gas resources have b e e n p r o v e n to exist i n areas adjacent to a n d closest to
the coastlines of l i t t o r a l states. Fisheries t h r o u g h o u t the area have h i s t o r i c a l l y
s u p p o r t e d the s u r v i v a l of coastal p o p u l a t i o n s a n d are v i t a l to food s e c u r i t y i n the
region. C o r a l reef ecosystems i n the n e a r s h o r e a n d offshore areas n u r t u r e a n d
propagate the region's s u p p l y of fish. C o m m e r c i a l as w e l l as m i l i t a r y n a v i g a t i o n have
established the SCS as a major w a t e r w a y a n d a lifeline for t r a d e a n d energy s u p p l i e s
c o n n e c t i n g countries i n the M i d d l e East, A f r i c a , a n d South, Southeast, a n d N o r t h e a s t
Asia.
Several countries - the P h i h p p i n e s , B r u n e i , China, M a l a y s i a , T a i w a n a n d V i e t n a m have c o m p e t i n g claims to a l l or p a r t of the SCS, w h i l e g r e a t p o w e r s such as the
U n i t e d States a n d C h i n a are b e g i n n i n g to compete for n a v a l p o w e r a n d influence
here, t h u s m a k i n g it a p o t e n t i a l r e g i o n a l flashpoint.

5.

The i n t e r n a t i o n a l a n d r e g i o n a l e n v i r o n m e n t s p r o f o u n d l y affect P h i h p p i n e interests

a n d its r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h other states. G l o b a l f i n a n c i a l w o e s , t u r b u l e n c e i n the
M i d d l e East, a n d c o m p e t i t i o n for energy s u p p l i e s are b u t s o m e significant global
d e v e l o p m e n t s that m a y d i r e c t l y i m p a c t o u r e c o n o m y . In the region, the e m e r g e n c e
of n e w p o w e r s C h i n a a n d India, the p o t e n t i a l for strategic r i v a l r y b e t w e e n the US
a n d China, m i l i t a r y flashpoints (such as the T a i w a n Straits, K o r e a n p e n i n s u l a a n d
the SCS itself), a steady a r m s b u i l d u p a m o n g v a r i o u s countries, d o m e s t i c p o l i t i c a l
t r a n s i t i o n s i n k e y n e i g h b o r i n g states, a n d t r e n d s i n A S E A N a n d East A s i a n r e g i o n a l
i n t e g r a t i o n are all r e l e v a n t to s t a b i l i t y a n d peace a n d therefore to the p r o s p e c t s for
a c h i e v i n g greater d e v e l o p m e n t a n d s e c u r i t y for the P h i h p p i n e s . Conversely, i n t h i s
i n t e r d e p e n d e n t setting, w h a t the P h i l i p p i n e s does w i t h respect to the W P S c a n a n d
w i l l have r i p p l e effects o n r e g i o n a l a n d global s c e n a r i o s .

6.

R e b u i l d i n g i n s t i t u t i o n s for g o o d governance, b r i n g i n g the l o n g - s t a n d i n g M i n d a n a o

conflict a n d the c o m m u n i s t i n s u r g e n c y to a r e s o l u t i o n , p r o m o t i n g s o c i a l justice a n d
h u m a n rights, i m p r o v i n g the peace a n d o r d e r s i t u a t i o n especially w i t h respect to
c r i m e a n d t e r r o r i s m , a n d c o n s o l i d a t i n g gains i n m a c r o e c o n o m i c c o n d i t i o n s - these
are the d o m e s t i c i m p e r a t i v e s of l o n g - s t a n d i n g that shall c o n t i n u e to d e m a n d the
p r i o r i t y attention of g o v e r n m e n t a n d the F i l i p i n o people. E a c h of these is c r i t i c a l to
o u r n a t i o n a l resilience, u n i t y a n d progress, w h i c h i n t u r n are i n d i s p e n s a b l e for o u r
a b i l i t y to face e m e r g e n t e x t e r n a l challenges.

The fundamental p r o b l e m
The P h i l i p p i n e s has l o n g - s t a n d i n g t e r r i t o r i a l a n d j u r i s d i c t i o n a l disputes w i t h several
states b o r d e r i n g the SCS, as w e l l as u n d e l i m i t e d m a r i t i m e b o u n d a r i e s i n v a r i o u s w a t e r s
adjacent to the archipelago. These d i s p u t e s affect the economic, n a t i o n a l security,
h u m a n s e c u r i t y a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l interests of the country, a n d m o r e o v e r i m p a c t o n
r e g i o n a l s t a b i l i t y a n d the p r o s p e c t s for successful r e g i o n a l i n t e g r a t i o n i n East A s i a .
P h i l i p p i n e efforts to assert s o v e r e i g n t y i n the W P S a n d to i m p l e m e n t p r o v i s i o n s of the
U N C L O S i n its E E Z i n l i n e w i t h n a t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t a n d s e c u r i t y goals are s t y m i e d b y
the claims a n d actions of o t h e r c o u n t r i e s . In the last several years, t e r r i t o r i a l t e n s i o n s
a m o n g s o m e c o u n t r i e s b o r d e r i n g the sea have escalated, a n d these have o c c u r r e d
against the b a c k d r o p of b r o a d e r g e o p o l i t i c a l shifts, i n c l u d i n g r i v a l r y for r e g i o n a l
influence b e t w e e n great p o w e r s . T h i s c u r r e n t g e o p o l i t i c a l context m a y p r o v i d e b o t h
challenges a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s for the a d v a n c e m e n t of P h i l i p p i n e interests a n d for the
peaceful r e s o l u t i o n of s a i d d i s p u t e s .
T h e r e is a n e e d for a c o m p r e h e n s i v e a n d strategic a p p r o a c h to p o l i c y m a k i n g o n the
W P S , t a k i n g i n t o c o n s i d e r a t i o n the m y r i a d short- to l o n g - t e r m interests of the c o u n t r y at
stake, the fluid r e g i o n a l a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l e n v i r o n m e n t , a n d the d o m e s t i c i m p e r a t i v e s
that w i l l affect h o w g o v e r n m e n t p r i o r i t i z e s the a l l o c a t i o n of its efforts a n d resources.
Imperatives of Philippine Policy in the WPS
Sustainable

Development

of the Marine

Economy and

Resources

Fisheries
1.

The P h i l i p p i n e s is the w o r l d ' s 6 * largest p r o d u c e r of fish, w i t h fish b e i n g a m a i n

p r o t e i n source a n d fisheries a m a i n s o u r c e of l i v e l i h o o d for o u r people. The w a t e r s
w e s t of P a l a w a n , w h i c h flow f r o m the SCS, account for 2 0 - 2 5 % of o u r a n n u a l fish

catch, w h i l e the areas offshore of Z a m b a l e s are r i c h s p a w n i n g g r o u n d s , u n d e r s c o r i n g

the e c o n o m i c i m p o r t a n c e of the SCS to food s e c u r i t y a n d e c o n o m i c welfare.
2.

R e p u b l i c A c t 8 5 5 0 or t h e F i s h e r i e s Code of 1998, declares as a n a t i o n a l policy,

a m o n g others: (1) to l i m i t access to the fishery a n d aquatic r e s o u r c e s of the
P h i l i p p i n e s for the exclusive use a n d enjoyment of F i l i p i n o citizens; a n d [2] to
e n s u r e the r a t i o n a l a n d s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t , m a n a g e m e n t a n d c o n s e r v a t i o n of
the fishery a n d aquatic resources i n P h i l i p p i n e w a t e r s i n c l u d i n g the E x c l u s i v e
E c o n o m i c Zone [EEZ) a n d i n the adjacent h i g h seas, consistent w i t h the p r i m o r d i a l
objective of m a i n t a i n i n g a s o u n d ecological balance, p r o t e c t i n g a n d e n h a n c i n g the
q u a l i t y of the e n v i r o n m e n t .
R A 8 5 5 0 further defines the area of its a p p l i c a t i o n to " a l l P h i h p p i n e w a t e r s i n c l u d i n g
other w a t e r s over w h i c h the P h i l i p p i n e s has s o v e r e i g n t y a n d j u r i s d i c t i o n , a n d the
country's 200-nautical mile EEZ and continental shelf.

3.

In the W P S a n d other w a t e r s adjacent to the archipelago, fisheries are t h r e a t e n e d b y

b o t h reef d e g r a d a t i o n a n d overfishing. F o r e i g n f i s h i n g fleets are s y s t e m a t i c a l l y
i n c r e a s i n g efforts to i m p r o v e catch, i n some cases encouraged b y t h e i r g o v e r n m e n t
as a means of a s s e r t i n g m a r i t i m e claims. The P h i l i p p i n e s , o n the o t h e r h a n d , has not
s u b s t a n t i a l l y i n c r e a s e d its m a r i n e fishing effort for m a n y years a n d places p r i o r i t y
o n r e s o u r c e c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d p r o t e c t i o n . U n c o n t r o l l e d f i s h i n g i n the area w i l l
d i m i n i s h resources for c u r r e n t a n d future needs of F i l i p i n o s , despite s o v e r e i g n
rights over fisheries a n d aquatic resources a c c o r d e d to us u n d e r U N C L O S . M o r e o v e r ,
the b i o d i v e r s i t y a n d p r o d u c t i v i t y of the W P S are d i r e c t l y l i n k e d to the b i o d i v e r s i t y
a n d p r o d u c t i v i t y of the c o u n t r y ' s i n t e r - i s l a n d w a t e r s . A n y d i m i n u t i o n i n the
resources of the W P S m a y have negative i m p a c t s on the v i a b i l i t y of o u r o w n i n t e r i s l a n d fisheries resources.
Hydrocarbons and Minerals

1.

I n t e r n a t i o n a l r e s e a r c h d a t a i n d i c a t e that the P h i h p p i n e s has significant o i l a n d gas as

w e l l as other m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s p a r t i c u l a r l y a r o u n d the P a l a w a n / R e e d B a n k area. It is
n o w b e l i e v e d that t h e y are of s u c h q u a n t i t y that t h e y c o u l d have t r a n s f o r m a t i v e
p o t e n t i a l for a d e v e l o p i n g c o u n t r y s u c h as ours. Access to these resources is
therefore a core P h i l i p p i n e i n t e r e s t i n the W P S .

2.

P r e s i d e n t i a l Decree 87, also k n o w n as the O i l E x p l o r a t i o n a n d D e v e l o p m e n t A c t of

1972, declares it a p o l i c y of the State to " h a s t e n the d i s c o v e r y a n d p r o d u c t i o n of
i n d i g e n o u s p e t r o l e u m t h r o u g h the u t i l i z a t i o n of g o v e r n m e n t a n d / o r p r i v a t e
resources, l o c a l a n d foreign, u n d e r the a r r a n g e m e n t s e m b o d i e d i n this A c t w h i c h are
calculated to y i e l d the m a x i m u m benefit to the F i l i p i n o p e o p l e a n d the revenues to
the P h i h p p i n e G o v e r n m e n t for use i n furtherance of n a t i o n a l e c o n o m i c
d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d to assure just r e t u r n s to p a r t i c i p a t i n g p r i v a t e e n t e r p r i s e s ,
p a r t i c u l a r l y those that w i l l p r o v i d e the necessary services, f i n a n c i n g and technology
a n d fully a s s u m e all e x p l o r a t i o n r i s k s . "

3.

The c o u n t r y ' s energy i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , as w e l l as energy s u p p l y a n d d e m a n d

projections, w i l l s o o n u r g e n t l y r e q u i r e a fresh i n f u s i o n of i n d i g e n o u s energy
sources. O i l i n d u s t r y players have thus b e e n p r e p a r i n g to b e g i n c o m m e r c i a l d r i U i n g
activities. T h e r e is an u n a v o i d a b l e need for foreign capital a n d technology, b u t the
i n t e r n a t i o n a l disputes i n the area a n d recent escalation of t e n s i o n s over d r i h i n g a n d
e x p l o r a t i o n activities have c r e a t e d a p e r c e p t i o n of r i s k a n d u n c e r t a i n t y that
discourages l o n g - t e r m i n v e s t o r s .

4.

P h i l i p p i n e policies o n o i l a n d gas c o o p e r a t i o n o r j o i n t d e v e l o p m e n t i n the W P S n e e d

to be clarified. The k e y obstacles to j o i n t d e v e l o p m e n t are s e c u r i t y c o n c e r n s a n d
c o m m e r c i a l r e s e r v a t i o n s about p a r t n e r i n g w i t h o i l c o m p a n i e s f r o m r i v a l c l a i m a n t
states, as w e l l as fear of p o t e n t i a l negative i m p a c t s on the c o u n t r y ' s legal p o s i t i o n ,

5.

A s i d e f r o m fisheries a n d h y d r o c a r b o n s , t h e r e is a n e e d to c o n d u c t t h o r o u g h
assessments of other offshore m i n e r a l r e s o u r c e s s u c h as r a r e earths, i r o n , t i t a n i u m ,
v a n a d i u m sands, m a n g a n e s e n o d u l e s a n d m a s s i v e sulfides, as w e l l as of the
r e n e w a b l e energy p o t e n t i a l s of the ocean.

Promoting

Maritime

Security and Defense

1.

The P h i h p p i n e g o v e r n m e n t , i n its N a t i o n a l S e c u r i t y P o h c y ( 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 6 ] , o u t l i n e s as
one of its objectives to "capacitate the P h i l i p p i n e s to exercise full s o v e r e i g n t y o v e r
its t e r r i t o r y a n d to p r o v i d e p r o t e c t i o n to its m a r i t i m e a n d other strategic i n t e r e s t s " .
The P h i l i p p i n e defense e s t a b i s h m e n t is i n t r a n s i t i o n f r o m focusing o n I n t e r n a l
Security Operations
(counter-insurgency,
counter-separatism, and
countert e r r o r i s m ) to T e r r i t o r i a l Defense.

2.

M o s t states b o r d e r i n g the SCS have e m b a r k e d o n m i l i t a r y u p g r a d e s a n d c i v i l i a n o r

p a r a m i l i t a r y l a w e n f o r c e m e n t m o d e r n i z a t i o n efforts thatare p a r t l y i n t e n d e d for the
p r o t e c t i o n of t h e i r E E Z resources. Recent t e n s i o n s a r i s i n g o v e r r e s o u r c e c o m p e t i t i o n
u n d e r s c o r e the n e e d for the P h i l i p p i n e s to do the same. H o w e v e r , r e g i o n a l defense
b u i l d u p i n g e n e r a l raises the r i s k of c o n f r o n t a t i o n i n the area, a n d i n v i e w of the
e x i s t i n g t e r r i t o r i a l a n d m a r i t i m e j u r i s d i c t i o n disputes a m o n g r e g i o n a l states, m a y
s p a r k a n a r m s race that w i l l c l e a r l y not be i n the P h i l i p p i n e s ' n a t i o n a l interest.

3.

Of p a r t i c u l a r c o n c e r n is the g r o w i n g p o w e r p r o j e c t i o n of the People's R e p u b h c of

C h i n a (PRC), w i t h its s y s t e m a t i c b l u e w a t e r n a v a l d e v e l o p m e n t a n d the so-called
Island C h a i n Strategy c o n t r i b u t i n g to u n c e r t a i n t y i n the r e g i o n a l s e c u r i t y
e n v i r o n m e n t , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n l i g h t of its expansive m a r i t i m e claims a n d g r o w i n g
n a t i o n a l i s m a m o n g its people. In a d d i t i o n , the active d e p l o y m e n t i n the SCS of P R C
c i v i l i a n or p a r a m i l i t a r y l a w e n f o r c e m e n t vessels, a n d p r o v i n c i a l g o v e r n m e n t organs
t a k i n g a c t i o n on t h e i r o w n have m a d e the s e c u r i t y e n v i r o n m e n t i n the SCS m o r e
complicated.

4.

In the W P S , there is a conflation of defense challenges a n d l a w e n f o r c e m e n t

i m p e r a t i v e s due to the g e o g r a p h i c a l overlap of P h i l i p p i n e E E Z / c o n t i n e n t a l shelf
(areas that are subject to c i v i l i a n j u r i s d i c t i o n ) w i t h the d i s p u t e d areas i n c l u d i n g KIG
a n d Bajo de M a s i n l o c w h i c h h a r b o r foreign m i l i t a r y presence (and are therefore a
m i l i t a r y concern). In v i e w of the h m i t e d capabilities of b o t h o u r m i l i t a r y a n d c i v i l i a n
l a w e n f o r c e m e n t agencies, a n d the need to allocate r e s o u r c e s for t h e i r u p g r a d i n g ,
t h e i r respective roles a n d m a n d a t e s w i l l n e e d to be c l a r i f i e d for the s h o r t - t e r m ,
medium-term and long-term planning horizons.

Law Enforcement
1.

and Contributing

to Good Order at Sea

P u r s u a n t to U N C L O S , the P h i l i p p i n e s as a coastal a n d a r c h i p e l a g i c state has exclusive

s o v e r e i g n rights to explore a n d e x p l o i t the l i v i n g a n d n o n - l i v i n g resources w i t h i n its
200 n.m. E E Z a n d c o n t i n e n t a l shelf. It exercises full s o v e r e i g n t y over its 12 n.m.
t e r r i t o r i a l sea m e a s u r e d f r o m its a r c h i p e l a g i c baselines, a n d over a l l a r c h i p e l a g i c
w a t e r s enclosed w i t h i n t h e m , subject o n l y to the r e c o g n i t i o n of i n n o c e n t and
archipelagic scalane passage rights i n favor of foreign s h i p s . T h e r e is debate,
h o w e v e r , o n w h e t h e r , w h e n , a n d w h e r e to e s t a b l i s h archipelagic sealanes.

2.

The m o s t t o p i c a l d i m e n s i o n of the disputes t r i g g e r i n g the tensions is foreign f i s h i n g

activities i n P h i l i p p i n e t e r r i t o r y a n d EEZ. G i v e n the lack of c a p a b i l i t y a n d assets of
o u r c i v i l i a n l a w enforcement agencies, the N a v y has h a d to be d e p u t i z e d for ' a n t i p o a c h i n g ' o p e r a t i o n s . Use of the N a v y against f i s h e r m e n projects a m i l i t a r i s t p o s t u r e
a n d leaves us v u l n e r a b l e to allegations of t h r e a t to use force. D e m i l i t a r i z a t i o n of the
fisheries disputes h a d i n fact earher been r e c o m m e n d e d b y v a r i o u s q u a r t e r s . T h e r e
m u s t be a p r o p e r m i x of m i l i t a r y a c t i o n a n d c i v i h a n l a w enforcement a p p r o a c h e s to
the disputes, as d e t e r m i n e d b y the nature of the specific t h r e a t or challenge.

3.

In c o n s i d e r a t i o n of the t e r r i t o r i a l disputes, w e n e e d a clearer d e f i n i t i o n of w h e r e the

metes a n d b o u n d s of P h i l i p p i n e l a w enforcement j u r i s d i c t i o n are, b a l a n c i n g the
p r o m o t i o n of v i t a l n a t i o n a l interests w i t h the n e e d to p r e v e n t a r m e d hostilities. The
g r o w i n g d e p l o y m e n t of vessels b y P R C to p r o t e c t C h i n e s e f i s h e r m e n a n d to o b s t r u c t
P h i l i p p i n e enforcement o p e r a t i o n s i n o u r t e r r i t o r y / E E Z , creates n e w challenges to
o u r l a w enforcement efforts. F i s h i n g a n d other activities b y F i l i p i n o nationals w i l l be
c o n s t r a i n e d , w h i l e a l l o w i n g C h i n e s e l a w e n f o r c e m e n t to go u n c o n t e s t e d m a y be
i n t e r p r e t e d as a n e g a t i o n of P h i l i p p i n e sovereignty.

4.

A N a t i o n a l Coast W a t c h S y s t e m w a s e s t a b l i s h e d t h r o u g h E x e c u t i v e O r d e r 57, as a
" c e n t r a l inter-agency m e c h a n i s m for a c o o r d i n a t e d a n d c o h e r e n t a p p r o a c h o n
m a r i t i m e issues a n d m a r i t i m e s e c u r i t y o p e r a t i o n s t o w a r d s e n h a n c i n g g o v e r n a n c e i n
the c o u n t r y ' s m a r i t i m e d o m a i n " . EO 57 also a b o h s h e d the C o m m i s s i o n on M a r i t i m e
a n d Ocean Affairs w h i c h since 2 0 0 7 h a d f u n c t i o n e d as the c o o r d i n a t i n g m e c h a n i s m
at the strategic level.

Asserting Sovereignty
Economic Zone

Over Territory And Exercising

Sovereign Rights Over The

Exclusive

1.

The E E Z / c o n t i n e n t a l shelf u n d e r U N C L O S s h o u l d not be confused w i t h a n d r e g a r d e d

as e q u i v a l e n t to l a n d t e r r i t o r y o v e r w h i c h a coastal State exercises fiiU sovereignty
and control. W i t h i n the E E Z / c o n t i n e n t a l shelf, a coastal State is generally e n t i t l e d to
exclusive sovereign rights to e x p l o r e a n d e x p l o i t the l i v i n g a n d n o n - l i v i n g n a t u r a l
resources of the superjacent w a t e r s ( i n the case of the E E Z ] a n d the seabed a n d
s u b s o i l (in the case of the c o n t i n e n t a l shelf]. These are r i g h t s that are less t h a n full
sovereignty, a n d are a n c i l l a r y to a n adjacent t e r r i t o r i a l sea or l a n d area.

2.

W h i l e focus has b e e n o n the e x c l u s i v i t y of m a r i t i m e t e r r i t o r i e s a n d j u r i s d i c t i o n s ,

U N C L O S also r e q u i r e s coastal States to cooperate p e n d i n g the r e s o l u t i o n of disputes,
a n d encourages t h e m to share the resources of the sea t h r o u g h p r o v i s i o n a l
agreements l i k e j o i n t d e v e l o p m e n t a r r a n g e m e n t s . Part IX of U N C L O S also a l l o w s
c o o p e r a t i o n a n d s h a r e d m a n a g e m e n t of s e m i - e n c l o s e d seas l i k e the S o u t h C h i n a Sea.

3.

W h i l e i n t e r n a t i o n a l l i t i g a t i o n m a y be helpful, it is a not a s i n g u l a r s o l u t i o n to the

m u l t i p l e a n d c o m p l e x p r o b l e m s that have a r i s e n , o r m a y arise i n the future, i n the
W e s t P h i h p p i n e Sea. It w i l l take m u c h t i m e a n d effort to b r i n g just one case before
an i n t e r n a t i o n a l t r i b u n a l , a n d it often takes m a n y years to be r e s o l v e d ; i n the
m e a n t i m e , i n c i d e n t s a n d issues m a y arise that w i l l r e q u i r e p r a c t i c a l , t i m e l y , or
u r g e n t responses.

Advancing
1.

An Effective And Pro-Filipino

Diplomacy And Foreign

Relations

A r t . 2 Sec.7 of the C o n s t i t u t i o n states that "The State shall p u r s u e an i n d e p e n d e n t

foreign pohcy. In its r e l a t i o n s w i t h other states, the p a r a m o u n t c o n s i d e r a t i o n shall

be n a t i o n a l sovereignty, t e r r i t o r i a l integrity, n a t i o n a l i n t e r e s t a n d the r i g h t to selfd e t e r m i n a t i o n . " A r t . 2 , Sec. 2 of the C o n s t i t u t i o n also states that "the P h i h p p i n e s
r e n o u n c e s w a r as an i n s t r u m e n t of n a t i o n a l pohcy, a d o p t s the generally accepted
p r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w as p a r t of t h e l a w of the l a n d a n d adheres to the
p o h c y of peace, equality, justice, f r e e d o m , c o o p e r a t i o n a n d a m i t y w i t h all nations."
2.

In the field of foreign relations, the W P S d i s p u t e s have h a d the m o s t i m p a c t o n o u r

ties w i t h China, the U n i t e d States, a n d w i t h Southeast A s i a / A S E A N . The d i s p u t e s
have led to an u n d e s i r a b l e s h a r p d e t e r i o r a t i o n i n o u r r e l a t i o n s w i t h C h i n a , a n
i n c r e a s e d n e e d to s t r e n g t h e n defense c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h the U n i t e d States, w h i l e
c h a l l e n g i n g us to help b u i l d a c o m m o n A S E A N p o s i t i o n that w o u l d help the
P h i l i p p i n e s a n d the r e g i o n w i t h s t a n d any threat to s t a b i l i t y a n d peace. T h e U n i t e d
N a t i o n s m o r e o v e r c o n t i n u e s to serve as a m a i n p i l l a r f r a m i n g o u r a p p r o a c h to the
W P S challenges.

3.

The P h i h p p i n e s has b e e n actively p r o m o t i n g peaceful settlement of the W P S

disputes, t h r o u g h b i l a t e r a l a n d m u l t i l a t e r a l initiatives, since the early 1990s. The
P h i l i p p i n e s also p r o p o s e d , i n i t i a t e d , a n d l e d i n d r a f t i n g the A S E A N - C h i n a D e c l a r a t i o n
of C o n d u c t (DOC], a n d has b e e n m o s t i n s i s t e n t i n further e v o l v i n g the DOC i n t o a
legally b i n d i n g Code of C o n d u c t .

4.

In the last t w o years, the A q u i n o g o v e r n m e n t ' s strategy i n a d d r e s s i n g the d i s p u t e s

have focused on p u r s u i n g a r u l e s - b a s e d a p p r o a c h , r e l i a n c e o n i n t e r n a t i o n a l law, a n d
a preference for m u l t i l a t e r a l d i p l o m a c y . These a p p e a r to enjoy c o n s i d e r a b l e
d o m e s t i c as w e l l as i n t e r n a t i o n a l s u p p o r t . On the other h a n d , its s t a u n c h l y
n a t i o n a l i s t a n d at t i m e s s e e m i n g l y p r o v o c a t i v e stance against China, as weU as o p e n
calls for US i n v o l v e m e n t a n d s u p p o r t , have caused c o n c e r n a m o n g s o m e n e i g h b o r i n g
states i n A S E A N .

Organizing

For Future

Challenges

1.

L a w of the Sea c o n c e r n s i n the W P S a r e c r o s s - c u t t i n g issues that i m p i n g e o n b o t h

foreign p o l i c y and d o m e s t i c p o h c y . D o m e s t i c archipelagic i m p e r a t i v e s (i.e. access to
resources, p r o t e c t i o n of the e n v i r o n m e n t , n a t i o n a l security) are the t r u e d r i v i n g
force b e h i n d n a t i o n a l policy. O n l y a s t r o n g d o m e s t i c c a p a b i l i t y (e.g. c r e d i b l e defense
a n d p r o - a c t i v e m a r i t i m e r e s o u r c e d e v e l o p m e n t p r o g r a m s ) can be the basis of
effective d i p l o m a c y a n d r e l a t i o n s w i t h the i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o m m u n i t y . A r c h i p e l a g i c
d e v e l o p m e n t a n d s e c u r i t y r e q u i r e s a strategic a n d w h o l e - o f - g o v e r n m e n t a p p r o a c h .

2.

Recent chahenges facing the c o u n t r y i n a s s e r t i n g its s o v e r e i g n t y a n d s o v e r e i g n

r i g h t s i n the W P S have h e l p e d i n u n i t i n g the F i h p i n o people. T e r r i t o r i a l integrity,
n a t i o n a l p a t r i m o n y , a n d the p r i n c i p l e s a n d n o r m s w e choose to live b y i n o u r
relations w i t h other c o u n t r i e s a n d peoples all h e l p shape o u r n a t i o n a l i d e n t i t y . B u t
there is little i n f o r m e d p o l i c y debate a m o n g F i l i p i n o s on the m a r i t i m e challenges w e
face. C a r r y i n g this f o r w a r d to the next generations r e q u i r e s d e v e l o p i n g a c r i t i c a l
mass of experts a n d enthusiasts, as w e l l as p r o m o t i n g l i v e l y debates a n d d i s c o u r s e s
about m a r i t i m e issues a n d the challenges a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s they p r e s e n t . These w i l l
i n v o l v e p a r t i c i p a t i o n b y g o v e r n m e n t , academe, m e d i a , NGOs, p r i v a t e i n d u s t r y , a n d
g r a s s r o o t s local c o m m u n i t i e s .

3.

Coverage of m a r i t i m e issues i n p o p u l a r m e d i a is also l a c k i n g . T h e r e is a n e e d for t h e

F i l i p i n o p e o p l e to r e d i s c o v e r o u r a r c h i p e l a g i c heritage a n d to w r i t e o u r o w n s t o r y as
a m a r i t i m e a n d seafaring n a t i o n . The mass m e d i a , social n e t w o r k s on the Internet,
the e d u c a t i o n a l s y s t e m , a n d g o v e r n m e n t i n f o r m a t i o n agencies are ah p o t e n t i a l

i n s t r u m e n t s for i n f o r m a t i o n d i s s e m i n a t i o n , a w a r e n e s s - r a i s i n g , s t i m u l a t i n g l i v e l y
a n d a n a l y t i c a l debates, a n d m o b i l i z i n g p u b l i c s u p p o r t o n the one h a n d . T h e y are also
i n s t r u m e n t s for gauging p u b l i c s e n t i m e n t a n d s o l i c i t i n g feedback on g o v e r n m e n t
policies a n d actions. U l t i m a t e l y , the t o u g h decisions g o v e r n m e n t w i l l have to m a k e
w i t h r e g a r d to the W P S s h o u l d be for the benefit of the people. T h e i r u n d e r s t a n d i n g
of the issues a n d p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n the d e c i s i o n m a k i n g w i l l be v i t a l to a n y successful
policy.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS
The f o l l o w i n g are p r o p o s e d g u i d i n g p r i n c i p l e s for P h i l i p p i n e p o h c y o n the W e s t
P h i l i p p i n e Sea.
1.

The W e s t P h i l i p p i n e Sea a n d its resources are p a r t of the n a t i o n a l p a t r i m o n y . O u r

n a t i o n a l interest i n the W P S is defined as that w h i c h w i l l serve the greatest g o o d of
the greatest n u m b e r of the F i l i p i n o people;

2.

O u r policies a n d strategies w i t h respect to resource d e v e l o p m e n t , defense, l a w

enforcement, d i p l o m a c y a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w s h a l l be c o n s i s t e n t w i t h this
d e f i n i t i o n of the n a t i o n a l interest;

3.

W e affirm c o m m i t m e n t to the peaceful settlement of inter-state disputes on the

basis of justice, equality, m u t u a l respect, a n d u p h o l d i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y accepted
rules a n d n o r m s of b e h a v i o r .

4.

W e affirm c o m m i t m e n t to an i n d e p e n d e n t foreign p o l i c y that u p h o l d s the d i g n i t y of

the F i l i p i n o p e o p l e a n d o u r t r a d i t i o n of courage a n d self-reliance;

5.

W P S p o l i c y s h o u l d d e m o n s t r a t e the positive c o n t r i b u t i o n s that the P h i h p p i n e s a n d

the F i l i p i n o people can m a k e to the A s i a Pacific r e g i o n a n d to the w o r l d .

T h i s W h i t e P a p e r r e c o m m e n d s the f o l l o w i n g courses of action.

1.

That g o v e r n m e n t take steps to establish, r e v i v e o r s t r e n g t h e n p e r m a n e n t , high-level

i n s t i t u t i o n s that shall:
a. U n d e r t a k e p o l i c y f o r m u l a t i o n , strategic p l a n n i n g , p o l i c y c o o r d i n a t i o n a n d
p e r i o d assessments of the p o l i c y e n v i r o n m e n t ;
b. E n s u r e that the i m p l e m e n t a t i o n of p l a n s a n d p r o g r a m s w i l l be i n accordance
w i t h policy guidelines;
c. Serve as c r i s i s m a n a g e m e n t m e c h a n i s m s t a s k e d to p r o v i d e early w a r n i n g
a n d q u i c k r e s p o n s e to i n c i d e n t s ;
d. Be s u p p o r t e d b y adequate resources a n d staff, i n c l u d i n g p r o v i s i o n
of strategic analyses a n d real-time intelligence; a n d
e. P r o v i d e i n s t i t u t i o n a l c o n t i n u i t y regardless of changes i n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d
leadership.

2.

T h a t g o v e r n m e n t develop a c o m p r e h e n s i v e , l o n g - t e r m p r o g r a m for i n t e r n a t i o n a l
legal a c t i o n on issues r e l a t i n g to the disputes, a n d establish the a p p r o p r i a t e
i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d rules for u n d e r t a k i n g such a p r o g r a m . Such a p r o g r a m m a y i n c l u d e
but not be l i m i t e d to the n e g o t i a t i o n of b o u n d a r i e s , filing of cases, s e e k i n g
a r b i t r a t i o n a n d / o r a d v i s o r y o p i n i o n o n critical issues f r o m c o m p e t e n t bodies, w h i l e
t a k i n g into c o n s i d e r a t i o n the n e e d to create favorable p o l i t i c a l , d i p l o m a t i c a n d
s e c u r i t y c o n d i t i o n s for conflict r e s o l u t i o n .

T h a t g o v e r n m e n t d e v e l o p strategic e c o n o m i c r e s o u r c e s d e v e l o p m e n t p r o g r a m s for
the P h i l i p p i n e E E Z , w i t h respect to:
a. Sustainable a n d r e s p o n s i b l e fisheries, w i t h g o v e r n m e n t assistance for
artisanal/smaU-scale f i s h e r m e n ;
b. O p t i m i z e d e x p l o i t a t i o n of o i l a n d gas resources, b a l a n c i n g e c o n o m i c
interests a n d the s o v e r e i g n t y / s e c u r i t y c o n c e r n s ;
c. E x p l o r a t o r y s u r v e y s of other offshore m i n e r a l r e s o u r c e s ;
d. E s t a b l i s h i n g w h e r e necessary, t r a n s i t i o n a l g u i d e l i n e s a n d rules for l a w
enforcement i n selected E E Z areas u n d e r dispute, t a k i n g i n t o c o n s i d e r a t i o n
d o m e s t i c l a w s a n d the r e l e v a n t U N C L O S p r o v i s i o n s ; a n d
e. E n a b l i n g a n d c a p a c i t a t i n g organs for l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a n d for the p r o t e c t i o n
of F i h p i n o s engaged i n the exercise of s o v e r e i g n rights o v e r the E E Z .
T h a t g o v e r n m e n t d e v e l o p a clear, feasible, a n d resolute s e c u r i t y a n d defense
strategy for the W P S , b a s e d o n :
a.
S o u n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g of s h i f t i n g r e g i o n a l d y n a m i c s a n d g e o p o l i t i c a l
r e b a l a n c i n g t a k i n g place;
b.
F a c t u a l a n d accurate t h r e a t a n d r i s k assessments l o o k i n g at capabilities,
p o l i t i c a l i n t e n t i o n s a n d actions of a d v e r s a r i e s ;
c.
C o r r e c t a p p r e c i a t i o n of o u r o w n s e c u r i t y a n d defense capabilities a n d
w e a k n e s s e s , i n c l u d i n g the p o t e n t i a l for allied assistance a n d the influence of
r e m a i n i n g i n t e r n a l s e c u r i t y chahenges,
d.

e.

Clear d e f i n i t i o n of the d i s t i n c t as w e h as c o o r d i n a t e d roles a n d

r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s of o u r c i v i l i a n a n d m i l i t a r y o r g a n i z a t i o n s , i n w a y s that b u i l d
o n a n d b u i l d up t h e i r core c o m p e t e n c i e s a n d p r i m a r y m a n d a t e s ; a n d
A n t i c i p a t i o n of v a r i o u s scenarios w h i c h s e c u r i t y forces m a y encounter,
t a k i n g i n t o c o n s i d e r a t i o n the shift f r o m i n t e r n a l s e c u r i t y o p e r a t i o n s to
t e r r i t o r i a l s e c u r i t y o p e r a t i o n s a n d the shift f r o m "threat b a s e d " to " s c e n a r i o b a s e d " contingencies.

T h a t b i l a t e r a l a n d r e g i o n a l d i p l o m a c y p e r t a i n i n g to W P S :
a. S h o u l d be s t r a t e g i z e d i n the context of c o m p r e h e n s i v e foreign p o l i c y goals
s u c h as p r o m o t i o n of n a t i o n a l security, e c o n o m i c d e v e l o p m e n t a n d the
w e l f a r e of nationals;
b. S h o u l d c o n t r i b u t e u l t i m a t e l y to s t r e n g t h e n i n g r e g i o n a l a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l
peace a n d s t a b i l i t y b a s e d o n i n t e r n a t i o n a l law, n o r m s a n d s t a n d a r d s ;
c. Be g u i d e d b y o u r l o n g - t e r m a s p i r a t i o n s for o u r r e l a t i o n s w i t h A S E A N , C h i n a ,
the U n i t e d States, n e i g h b o r i n g c o u n t r i e s i n Southeast A s i a and N o r t h e a s t
A s i a , a n d other k e y stakeholders.
T h a t p r o g r a m s be u n d e r t a k e n to inculcate a r c h i p e l a g i c consciousness a n d i d e n t i t y
of the P h i l i p p i n e s a n d the F i l i p i n o s as a m a r i t i m e n a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g b u t not l i m i t e d
to:
a. P r e p a r a t i o n a n d w i d e d i s s e m i n a t i o n of i n f o r m a t i o n [e.g. p r i m e r s a n d
reference materials) o u t l i n i n g P h i l i p p i n e interests for p o p u l a r c o n s u m p t i o n ;
b. B u i l d i n g grassroots constituencies for a d v o c a c y for the m a r i n e a n d coastal
e n v i r o n m e n t , safety a n d f r e e d o m of n a v i g a t i o n , d i s a s t e r - p r e p a r e d n e s s a n d
response, g o o d n e i g h b o r l i n e s s a n d r e g i o n a l c o o p e r a t i o n , a m o n g others;
c.
d.

I n t r o d u c t i o n of r e l e v a n t m u l t i d i s c i p l i n a r y courses a n d content i n t o all levels

of e d u c a t i o n a n d t r a i n i n g i n g o v e r n m e n t ;
Investment i n d e v e l o p i n g n e x t - g e n e r a t i o n expertise on the legal, security,
i n t e r n a t i o n a l relations, fisheries, geography, geology, m a r i n e scientific a n d
other d i m e n s i o n s r e l e v a n t to the W P S .

T h i s i n i t i a t i v e began m o n t h s before the m o s t r e c e n t tensions w i t h C h i n a e r u p t e d o v e r

Bajo de M a s i n l o c . Intended to d r a w a t t e n t i o n to the strategic questions, the p a p e r does
not p r o v i d e specific r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s o n h o w to manage the m o s t p r e s s i n g or
i m m e d i a t e concerns. The p r o b l e m s w e face i n the W P S are not n e w , as w e have b e e n
g r a p p l i n g w i t h m a n y of these issues for decades. It is p o s s i b l e that m a n y m o r e years w i l l
pass before w e achieve o u r a s p i r a t i o n s of a W e s t P h i l i p p i n e Sea that is t r u l y free f r o m
conflict, safe f r o m any f o r m of v i o l e n c e or illegal activity, w h e r e F i l i p i n o s are able to
enjoy as w e l l as to share nature's b o u n t y , w h e r e c o u n t r i e s live i n equality a n d m u t u a l
respect, a n d w h e r e s t r o n g regional i n s t i t u t i o n s are i n place u p h o l d i n g s h a r e d p r i n c i p l e s
and norms.
W e hope that this W h i t e P a p e r w i l l be a n i m p o r t a n t step i n that d i r e c t i o n .

10 A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 , Q u e z o n C i t y

10

INFORMAL E X P E R T GROUP ON T H E W E S T PHILIPPINE SEA

LETICIA RAMOS-SHAHANI
F o r m e r Senator, R e p u b l i c of the P h i l i p p i n e s
F o r m e r D e p u t y M i n i s t e r for P h i l i p p i n e
Affairs a n d U N A s s i s t a n t Secretary-General
for Social a n d H u m a n i t a r i a n Affairs

PROF. DR. AILEEN SP BAVIERA

Professor a n d F o r m e r Dean,
U P A s i a n Center
F o r m e r H e a d , Center for I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Relations a n d Strategc Studies,
F o r e i g n Service Institute

C O M M O CARLOS L AGUSTIN AFP(Ret)

P r e s i d e n t , M a r i t i m e League
F o r m e r P r e s i d e n t , N a t i o n a l Defense College
of the P h i l i p p i n e s a n d F o r m e r C o m m a n d a n t ,
P h i l i p p i n e Coast G u a r d

A T T Y . RODEL A. CRUZ
F o r m e r U n d e r s e c r e t a r y , Office of the
Chief P r e s i d e n t i a l Legal C o u n s e l ,
Office of the P r e s i d e n t
Former Undersecretary,
D e p a r t m e n t of N a t i o n a l Defense

LAURO L BAJA JR.

Former Undersecretary,
D e p a r t m e n t of F o r e i g n Affairs
F o r m e r P e r m a n e n t R e p r e s e n t a t i v e of the
R e p u b l i c of the P h i l i p p i n e s to the U n i t e d
Nations

V A D M EDUARDO M A R. SANTOS
AFP(Ret)
P r e s i d e n t , M a r i t i m e A c a d e m y of A s i a
a n d the Pacific
F o r m e r Flag Officer In C o m m a n d ,
Phihppine Navy

DR. GUILLERMO R. B A L C E
Former Undersecretary,
D e p a r t m e n t of E n e r g y

A T T Y . M A L C O L M I. SARMIENTO JR.
Former Director,
B u r e a u of F i s h e r i e s a n d A q u a t i c
Resources, D e p a r t m e n t of A g r i c u l t u r e

COMMO ROLAND S RECOMONO AFP(Ret)

U n d e r s e c r e t a r y , DOTC
F o r m e r A s s i s t a n t Chief of N a v a l Staff for
Plans, N 5 , P h i l i p p i n e N a v y
F o r m e r Chief of the A F P M o d e r n i z a t i o n
P r o g r a m M a n a g e m e n t Office

A T T Y . JAY L B A T O N G B A C A L
Professor, College of L a w
U n i v e r s i t y of the P h i l i p p i n e s

11