By: Democrito C. Barcenas
Today the nation will mark the 125th birth anniversary of Claro M. Recto, a great patriot and nationalist whom the nation owes a debt of gratitude.
Claro M. Recto was a living legend in his lifetime. His towering intellect, his intense nationalism, his principled stand on national issues against US imperialism and the church’s interference in government affairs have made him controversial but endeared him to the legions of followers and admirers.
His death on Oct. 2, 1960 did not diminish his stature or erase the validity of his ideas.
The problem of joblessness and chronic unemployment which pushed millions of Filipinos to seek jobs abroad at great family and social costs would have been solved had our leaders listened to his advice as early as in 1956 that the key to full employment and economic development is nationalist industrialization as what was adopted by Korea, Japan, Taiwan and other countries in Asia.
His vision of a truly independent and sovereign Philippines, unencumbered by foreign control and dictation was continued by a phalanx of nationalist leaders after him like senators Lorenzo M. Tañada, Jose W. Diokno and Jovito R. Salonga, among others.
Recto had the vision when he almost single handedly sought the removal of the US bases in the country. His dream for a truly sovereign Philippines was realized when on Sept. 16, 1991, the Philippine Senate, in its finest hour under the leadership of then Senate president Jovito R. Salonga, voted to reject the treaty extending the stay of the US bases, thus ending over 400 years of foreign military presence in the country.
The supreme irony of it all is that during his administration in 1999, Joseph Estrada, one of those who voted for the removal of the bases, made an unprincipled somersault by strongly urging the Senate to approve the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which gives access to US troops and forces on Philippines territory.
Not contented with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), our government last year signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows the US “unlimited” entry in our bases as well as construction of US facilities in agreed locations.
The same outworn argument used by our leaders since the time of Senator Recto is that we are a weak nation and we have no choice but to depend on the US. Borrowing the words of UP Professor Francisco Nemenzo, precisely because we are weak, we should pursue an independent foreign policy.
Recto’s enduring ideas on foreign relations have become relevant today in the face of the bloody conflict in Mindanao. One pertinent question being asked by noted columnist Solita Monsod is: What role did the US play in this “miss-encounter” (that led to the slaughter of 44 PNP-SAF commandos)? Was it (God forbid) the initiator?
Our nation needs the vision and wisdom, the nationalism and idealism of Claro M. Recto to guide us in these times of maximum danger.