REP. MICHAEL “MIKEE” L. ROMERO, Ph.D.
Deputy Speaker – 18th Congress
President, The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI)
One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals (1-PACMAN)
Twitter: @MikeeRomeroPhD 09177292437
VFA extension creates space for PH-US talks on better arrangement, other matters
DEPUTY SPEAKER ROMERO WELCOMES THE DECISION TO EXTEND VFA
I welcome the extension of the VFA and I see this move as a way to create the space and conditions for bilateral talks on possibly a better arrangement and terms agreeable to both sides.
Bilateral talks take time and effort. This is good for agreements that a well-thought out.
The breathing space the extension creates could allow, for example, the initial framework or guiding parameters for the better arrangement.
That could then be followed by the final better agreement or terms.
The extension can also lead to other opportunities for security arrangements and mechanisms to ensure freedom of navigation, free flow of global commerce and travel, and enforce international law in this part of the world.
For example for the long term, it might also be timely to study the feasibility of establishing a peacekeeping treaty alliance of countries in the Western Pacific
Unlike the 1950s’ short-lived SEATO or South East Asian Treaty Organization, which was a military alliance, the Western Pacific Peacekeeping (WestPac Alliance) I am suggesting would be a multinational organization against marine life poachers, pirates, hijackers, illegal fishing, and with a special mission in international waters and international airspace to protect marine habitats, the unimpeded migration of marine and bird life, and deep sea exploration expeditions, as well as the conduct of mishap investigations and rescue operations at sea and in the air.
There are no maritime and environment law enforcement mechanisms and measures in international waters and international airspace in our part of the world. The WestPac Alliance could address the huge gap beyond the territorial waters and EEZ.
There is a need for an international organization like the WestPac Alliance.
I am hoping the governments in East Asia, the Pacific Island Nations, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia will see this idea worth further study at least.
Perhaps United Nations agencies like the International Maritime Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Telecommunications Union will also consider it worth their effort to analyze. (END)
Reference:
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