Baseline Bill Gave up Philippine Territories; Shows Weak Government

The recent approval of the bicameral committee on the Philippine Baseline Bill show how weak the Philippines is. Most of the critics of the approved bill says that the terms in the bill excluded the Kalayaan Group of Islands and the Scarborough Shoal. These islands are long been disputed by several countries which includes China, Vietnam and other Asian countries.

After the approval it was reported that the Philippine consul in China was requested by the Chinese government to explain on the issue. Some lawmakers says that China is starting to bully the Philippines on this issue. It is giving too much pressure on the current administration specially that the Chinese government has given loans and other investment to the country.

It is also a fact that China is much more powerful than our country when it comes to military and other resources. This is one of the reasons why the congress gave up these territories and did not include them as part of the Philippine Islands.

Kalayaan Group of Islands and the Scarborough Shoal is noted for its rich mineral deposits and still abundant in marine resources. Giving up this islands would also mean that the Philippines will be giving away resources which can be a great source of income in the future.

Legal experts are questioning the passage of the bill specially its constitutionality. Some lawyers says that the bill is not in accordance with the provisions in the treaty made under the Spanish government and the US when it acquires the Philippines under the previous regime.

Some lawmakers who failed to block the Baseline Bill were also planning to file cases in the Supreme Court once the Bill is signed into law by the current President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Congress expedited the passage of the bill to meet the deadline set by the UN. Proponents are confident that what they have done is constitutional and it will benefit the country.