90% of Filipinos agree on EDCA expansion and joint maritime patrols

delving on shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and how both nations can address these challenges. The decision to restart joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea is not only seen as a positive development in helping the Philippines tighten its security strategy but an important step in securing our borders.

Filipinos are very patient people. We don’t want any conflict. But when push comes to shove, we will staunchly defend ourselves and those that we hold precious. Filipinos are convinced that our strategy of boosting defense ties and enhancing security cooperation with major allies like the United States will build up our capacity and capability to defend our territory and exercise our sovereign rights.

The headline news on our recent decision for the expansion of EDCA and maritime patrols with the United States has actually precipitated more inquiries from U.S. companies looking at how they can invest or, at the very least, expand their operations in the Philippines.

The Philippines was at the front and center of international news – that is, until the Chinese balloon incident came into the picture. Clearly, the U.S. and the Philippines must also boost economic ties and increase trade and investment cooperation to strengthen the economic backbone, and therefore resilience, of our country. As I have mentioned on several occasions, the Philippines can become a stronger ally that can significantly contribute in advancing a more secure and prosperous region if it is also economically strong. At the end of the day, this is what we all want.

To reiterate, the EDCA is not directed at, or against, any country. Rather, this agreement with the United States is aimed at ramping up our defense capabilities, especially in light of the global security challenges – both traditional and nontraditional – that are emerging, and which all nations must take into account.

Let’s not also forget, the Philippines also has a defense agreement with Australia via the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) signed in

Medicare Advantage cares for our growing senior population

care for its enrollees including cancer screenings, vaccinations, and regular check-ups. Preventative care lowers the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, serious illnesses, and viruses. Catching conditions such as colon cancer early makes all the difference for successful treatment. Preventative care in the form of exercise, which Medicare Advantage offers multiple options for, also lowers the risk of injury for seniors of all ages.

The population Medicare Advantage serves is key to its impact. Serving a majority of low-income enrollees and communities that have been historically underserved, the program is bridging the gap of health disparities existing in our country.

To understand the impact this program has on its enrollees, consider my own story. A year ago, I hurt my shoulder. My options were to undergo either intense physical therapy or surgery. Although both of these options were covered under my Medicare Advantage plan, an invasive and intense surgery was the last thing I wanted. Instead, Medicare Advantage coordinated my treatment plan with my doctors, and I saw a physical therapist twice a week. Throughout it all, I never had to worry that I wasn’t getting the highest quality of treatment because Medicare Advantage led communications between my team of doctors and myself. Medicare Advantage’s commitment to cost-savings throughout my treatment saved me thousands of dollars and gave me peace of mind that I wouldn’t have to forego treatment due to prohibitive costs. I’m now able to resume my routine activities. Every day I’m not in constant pain is a reminder of why I am just so grateful for my Medicare Advantage plan.

As we prepare our country and our health care system for the influx of older Americans needing medical care, we should support programs such as Medicare Advantage that are already doing the work in caring for our seniors.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * Ana Wood, Board Member and Government Affairs Chair, Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce

2007 and which took effect in September 2012 following its ratification in July of that same year. The agreement was very timely as it paved the way for the conduct of disaster relief assistance by the Australian Defense Force when Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines in November 2013.

President BBM’s recent visit to Tokyo is also expected to boost economic as well as security ties between the Philippines and Japan. No less than the President underscored this when he said prior to his departure that the bilateral visit is essential as it is “part of a larger foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation” in addition to “lasting economic partnerships with major countries in the region amid a challenging global environment.”

In a recent brief written by our friend Gregory Poling with Andreyka Natalegawa and Danielle Fallin titled, “Building a U.S.-Japan-Philippines Triad” published at the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ online site, the authors

First Person

Alex

OVER the past few days, U.S. fighter jets shot down four strange flying objects that have crossed over American and Canadian airspaces. This is a ballooning phenomenon.

On Feb. 4, after days of tracking its movements, a U.S. jet fighter fired a single missile to bring down a 200-foot balloon closely observed as it crossed the country.

The Americans waited for the object to float out to sea off South Carolina before shooting it down to avoid any collateral damage on the ground.

China protested the action, claiming the balloon was owned by a civilian company and used for purely meteorological research. Beijing is asking for the debris of the balloon to be returned to it. Washington is not obliging. The Americans want to know more about the technology being used by China over U.S. airspace. Recovered remnants of that balloon have been sent to an FBI laboratory for examination.

Washington has not released technical details to date.

On Feb. 10, U.S. jets downed another “cylindrical” flying object underscored Japan’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific, and why Tokyo and Washington should collaborate more closely in “engaging with other alliance partners, including the Philippines. Japan is uniquely suited to this role given its extensive and long-standing security partnership with the Philippines, creating a robust level of security cooperation between Tokyo and Manila.”

In fact, having security alliances that show we are part of a coalition of like-minded countries can serve as a deterrent and can promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

As usual, pseudo-nationalists are looking at it from a negative perspective, saying we may be sucked into the maelstrom if a conflict between the U.S. and China breaks out. In the first place, if there is a conflict in the region over Taiwan for example, the Philippines would not be able to remain a fence sitter for long because of its very strategic location as well as its proximity to Taiwan. We would feel the impact and would be involved in one way or another. In this global world, there is no such thing as an “island nation.”

Fortunately, we have enlightened senators like Win Gatchalian, Chiz Escudero and Francis Tolentino who clearly see the significance of the EDCA expansion and the resumption of joint maritime patrols as good for the country. Even Senate President Migz Zubiri and many key legislators that include Congressman Rufus Rodriguez see the importance of our alliance with the United States. Some may have an axe to grind against the U.S. but they know very well this latest development is a positive step for our country’s security. And more importantly, this decision by President Marcos is appreciated and supported by 90 percent of Filipinos not only here but in many parts of the world, who continue to look at the United States as our most trusted ally and partner. (Philstar.com)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com