I AM writing about the disagreement between Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. over the existing Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty (PH-US MDT) because I find it interesting, if not intriguing.
Interesting and intriguing in the sense that it is seemingly putting President Duterte in a predicament where he has to choose who between the two trusted Cabinet members has a better understanding of the country’s present situation vis-à-vis China’s militarization in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
What is important to remember here is that when the PH-US MDT was signed on Aug. 30, 1951 in Washington, D.C. between representatives of both countries, the overall accord stated that the Philippines and the US will come to each other’s aid if attacked by an external party.
But while Lorenzana has been seeking a review of the treaty since last year, questioning the validity or effectiveness of the treaty, as it applies now to the disputed areas in the WPS, Locsin, however, does not find the necessity or the urgency to have it done.
“My own view is no. I believe in the old theory of deterrence. I have been an old man. I’ve engaged in the Cold War for longer than you. In vagueness lies the best deterrence,” Locsin said when asked whether he was seeking a review of the MDT.
This statement was made by Locsin in a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the latter’s brief visit to the country on March 1, after the second historic meeting between President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in Vietnam. It was on this occasion that Pompeo assured the country that the US considers the South China Sea (SCS) as covered by the MDT. If it is of any consolation to anybody, we just have to remember that the WPS is part of the SCS.
Also that Pompeo affirmed the assurance of the Trump administration’s “true commitment to making sure these seas (South China Sea) remain open.”
Locsin’s statement apparently did not sit well with Lorenzana. It got even more vexing for Lorenzana upon hearing Locsin’s argument that the “vagueness” of the MDT is what makes it more effective as a “deterrent” to attacks against the Philippines.
Whatever the outcome of the disagreement between Lorenzana and Locsin over the PH-US MDT and whomever Duterte chooses which side to favor, the fact remains that it will not change the way the US looks at the strategic location of the Philippines in protecting the vital US and homeland security interests. This alone is a preemptive view for China to act accordingly in the disputed SCS.--Jesus Sievert