Becoming responsive

While most Filipinos are busy talking about the 2013 election results, a diplomatic uproar springs between the Philippines and Taiwan because of a shooting incident where a Taiwanese fisherman was shot dead by a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel.

It has been reported that the PCG personnel first fired warning shots at the Taiwanese vessel because it was seen intruding into Philippine territorial waters. However, the Taiwanese vessel made a malevolent move by fleeing, provoking the PCG to shoot directly at the vessel’s engine, killing the Taiwanese fisherman in the process.

The Taiwanese government demanded the Philippines to make a formal public apology. They also insisted on paying compensation to the fisherman’s family, and speeding up joint investigation and punishment for the executioner.  If these are not met, they warned about imposing economic sanctions like a freeze on employing Filipino migrant workers and holding military exercises within the disputed waters as a sign of strength.

In response to these demands, the Philippines offered sympathies and apology as well as financial assistance to the fisherman’s family. However, the apology and the claims that the incident happened in Philippine waters and that it was unforeseen were rejected by Taiwan’s president Ma who described the incident as “cold-blooded murder.” The Philippines’ tactic is to avoid escalating matters, urging the Taiwanese government to wait for the investigation to finish. Moreover, the Philippines is focusing on what to do with the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and how to respond to economic repercussions in case the sanctions take effect.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) claims that this is not the first time for the Philippines to experience such sanctions. They are looking for alternative markets where OFWs can transfer if the freezing takes effect. Although this contingency plan may seem to deserve a thumbs-up, how can OFWs be assured that they will certainly gain some fallback? Yes, you may say that this is an issue of trust between the government and its people. Nevertheless, the Philippine government seems to be acting indefinitely because the unemployment rate is at 25.4 percent this year, according to Social Weather Stations (SWS). If about 11 million Filipinos are jobless within the confines of the Philippines, then added by the OFWs coming back from Taiwan, what situation will the country then face?

From a different perspective, this can be a step towards creating a tangible response towards unemployment for the Philippine economy to stop being dependent on OFW remittances. Creating jobs for people will lessen the need to send Filipino workers abroad.

The Philippines’ appeal for a calm take on the situation also shows how our country has grown to be independently confident in addressing diplomatic concerns. I find it a brave move on the part of the Philippine government to stand firmly and not totally give in to the demands of the Taiwanese government. The Philippine government is saying that they are bracing themselves for more demands to come and sanctions to be thrown in.  Focusing on how to give assistance to the Filipinos in Taiwan and preparing on how to resolve the situation can be leverage and at the same time favorable to the OFWs concerned.

On one hand, can this “economic preparedness” be accounted for as comparative advantage over Taiwan?  Maybe yes; because the Philippine government is being mindful of the next steps to avoid further tension.  This may also direct a path towards more stringent policies concerning territorial borders and boundaries not just with Taiwan but with other countries such as China, Malaysia, and Japan. This also helps the Philippine government realize how poor the national defense is and what needs to be done in case the military exercises push through.  Nevertheless, all of these are just realizations and plans. Concrete measures have yet to come.

In all this, the Philippine government is taking a definite stand on this issue. It is exhibiting an image of pride in itself, resiliency and independence. It is a good strategy because Filipinos see the government standing by its people and backing them up. It does not want its people to be dragged by the issue and is itself bravely facing the potential feud in diplomatic relations, even if some may argue that it is just a “face” the government is putting up for people to feel at ease and think that everything is fine.

Overall, the Philippines has been taking slow but steadfast action, leaning towards a successful resolution of the issue. With a calm disposition in waiting for the results of investigation, the Philippine government shows how it can establish diplomatic ties under any such pressure and any economic sanctions that might hit at any time. Consequently, it is gearing up to be economically prepared by planning alternatives and finding solutions.  From a government that is reactive, it is becoming responsive.