By Jose Antonio Custodio
Custodio is a consultant on security and defense for both the government and private sector. He also occasionally teaches history at several academic institutions in Metro Manila.
Last 4 October 2010 I was allowed to attend the Realignment and the Assumption of Command Ceremony of the 19th Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force which was held in a hangar of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam at Hawaii.
This gave me a rare opportunity to witness an evolving historic moment in the security and defense environment in the Asia Pacific Region. In the past months, the region has seen a gradual influx of US military assets of which the most prominent is the deployment of the F-22 Raptor. The Lockheed Martin F-22 is considered as the premiere air superiority fighter plane in the world and in exercises within the USAF, it has bested older generation aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16. These two latter aircraft are at par with those of the former Eastern Bloc countries especially the Su-27, the MiG 29, and their derivatives.
Chinese aircraft in production are still within the generation of the F-15 and F-16 if not even less capable as compared to the later blocks of these two USAF aircraft. What more then compared to the F-22? Thus the movement of the 19th FS with its F-22s to Hawaii reinforces the already predominant position that the United States of America has in the Asia Pacific Region.
However grand as this depiction I portrayed of the importance of the F-22 Raptor, in contrast the ceremonies marking the occasion of realignment and change of command were simple and very un-dramatic. It had that typical American workmanlike attitude in its approach wherein there was no bombast which is common in other cultures. If there indeed was something approaching bombast it was the praise given by the speakers to the 19th FS as being the best fighter squadron not only of the USAF but in the entire world. Presumably the Israelis would complain, but then again, they do not have the Raptor yet.
What did stand out in the ceremonies was not just the impressive looking F-22 that looked like something out of Star Trek parked at the right side of the stage but of the speeches delivered by the commanding officers of the 19th FS and other units in Hickam. These were not speeches that droned on and on about the personal accomplishments of so and so person, but instead it reached back into the traditions and records of those who had served in the 19th FS during the First World War, Pearl Harbor, during the Cold War, and it was the duty of the present generation of officers and personnel to continue the legacy.
And where did this leave me, a foreign observer of this ceremony? It made me wonder about the state of my country's military. From being one of Asia's best in the 1930s up to the 1960s, the Armed Forces of the Philippines became one of the weakest and most dependent on foreign assistance due to bad governance, internal dissent, and factionalism. The Philippine Air Force cannot even be called a shadow of its former glory as it simply has no more combat aircraft that can survive in a modern battlefield environment. In fact, if any of the rebel organizations in the Philippines do manage to get their hands on portable surface to air missiles then they will neutralize the entire PAF which relies mostly on propeller driven aircraft for combat operations. Its only remaining jet aircraft is a tiny trainer that is even slower than a Second World War P-51 Mustang fighter.
Thus, what role will the Philippines play in this drama unfolding in the Asia Pacific Region? As the United States beefs up its forces and as the Chinese become more bellicose and even the Indians wanting to come into Southeast Asia, where will the Philippines fit into this? Up to this very moment, the country is unsure as to how to define its relationship with the United States of America and how to approach the Mutual Defense Treaty. Though we expect the Americans to defend us, we cannot even defend the Americans. After all, it is called a mutual defense treaty as in the Americans have their responsibilities while the Philippines also has its own responsibilities to the alliance.
For all intents and purposes, the Philippines is just turning into real estate upon which the US and eventually China will play upon as the government within cannot make up its mind as to what direction and choices to take. Due to the decrepit nature of the military hardware of the Philippine military and the long tradition of American military assistance, the Philippine government continues to view the US in terms of a dependency framework.
The thing is, since the closure of the Clark and Subic, the assistance rendered by the Americans, even with the ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement has tremendously shrunken and has more reviews and controls upon its usage than before. Assistance provided to Philippine civil and military agencies in matters of defense and security should produce sustained positive results and not fiascos like how despite all the training provided by the Americans since 9-11, the Philippine government and its security forces could not even conduct a proper rescue attempt of foreign nationals held by one lone gunman.
Now that the US is in recession, it is not wise for the Philippines to expect huge amounts of aid that will come pouring in. Instead expect the Americans to demand results to ensure that the money provided was well spent. Expect also the Americans to redefine an alliance in a way that will surprise Filipinos who have become accustomed to and have always expected the largesse of the past. It is time for the Philippines to get its act together.
Thank you for a very informative article. I just hope that Sen. Pangilinan have read the article and change his view with regards to Philippine military relationship with the US. It is ridiculous to think that with the likes of the Philippines with no military capability could afford to call for the US to leave. There's something wrong with the minds of these politicians.
all politicians must wake up and be mature to the reality that the mutual defense thing is over even if they mention it(they 're probably good-timing you only to get a favor)the past subic/clark relationship is absolutely gone so stop looking at them whenever we start looking at the state of our defenses.this is/was a catastrophic failure of vision and management by our lawmakers/policymakers.i hope we learn responsibly from it. its a good thing we have the vfa bec they have needs and issues and so have we -tremendous amount of economic needs and issues.going to the table observe/realize that they are rich, we are poor, so no matter how legally perfect the agreement will be(reciprocity issues we dont like,custody for local law violators they dont like, etc)the take home result for both will be unacceptable! this is where we enter to negotiate wisely for our military or economic needs and issues!but dont get into deep/hard core long term issues as usacongress will not ratify vfa and also some local constitutional issues for us. if same number want to stay in exchange for an actual implemented tangible marshall plan, why not this sounds and looks good for us!
bright minds in the AFP knew a lot about geopolitics but no amount of knowledge is enough to change the primeval attitude of our politicians..so the first thing that is absolutely necessary is to educate or make our politicians aware of their responsibilities in developing a credible military...it is their primitive understanding that the military is just like a law enforcement agency performing police functions that deters the AFP from becoming a professional organization.. as to the role we can play in southeast asia where most of our neighbors are either nervous/suspicious of China's evergrowing economic and military power,the most prudent policy we can adopt is to allied ourselves with Japan, SK and other ASEAN countries...acting as a group is much better than acting alone but how does it translate in terms of military capabilities??...most of the planes and ships we have now came from the USA after WWII and as a country we have not appropriated enough capital outlay to replace these ships(PAF planes are a little bit newer)once they become absolete..our neighbours particularly Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia started modernizing much much earlier since they don't have to rely on USA defense umbrella...since we have limited resources, what we can do is to maintain a modest defense capability just enough to deter bigger and more powerful countries from trampling our sovereignty...that means we should have a number of modern planes which can be sent to contested territories in times of emergency and properly equipped ships which can continuously patrol our territorial waters.. we badly need these military assets because when a country is perceived to be so weak militarily, it encourages others to be more aggressive since they know that our only alternative is the diplomatic means...if there is still a sense of pride and patriotism left, let us not allowed ourselves to be bullied
If the United States keeps the current administration in power (Obama and the Democrats), the Philippines will get nothing from the U.S. as Obama is a socialist and will sooner send arms and cash to the NPA before he sends fighters and ammo to the AFP. The coming elections will hopefully replace most of the Congress with conservatives who value the relationship of the Filipinos and help them should the need arise due to Chinas illegal occupation of the Spratley islands and their illegal notion that they own the South China Sea. However, the political corruption in the Philippines will be an issue in future investments. A case in point would be the recent $214 million grant to Samar for road re-habilitation where only 136 miles of road was re-habilitated. This comes out to over $1.5 million per mile or $1.042 million per kilometer. That's in U.S. dollars....which comes out to be p48 million per km! Since this is an outrageous cost for a 2 lane road that already exists and is only being refurbished, it is obvious that the money was misused. The American people will no longer tolerate such pilfering of public funds. Even though it was a grant, it was a specific grant for a specific project yet someone in that project got a lot of money out of it while the ordinary residents of Samar got only 136 miles of 2 lane black top road. Shameful. Keep in mind though that the American public has a very positive view of the Philippines and will not allow our friends there to be molested by the Chinese. Once Obama is gone and free enterprise can again flurish, China will not be as strong as she is today and the U.S. will once again be an ally that can be trusted to help the Philippines in any way it can. The Philippines biggest problem is and always has been corrupt politicians. Solve that problems and the Philippines would be more prosperous than Japan ever was.
Majority of Filipinos who are perpetually agreeable to the Yanks have poor analysis in knowing what is true from reality. They tend to believe what they've read or seen in the news/books that are US-influenced. Many claimed to have studied in some Phil. refutable universities but lacks a clear analysis of what is really happening or they are just liars and cowards like their master Uncle Sam. And don't brag about the dollars the Fil-Ams or illigals are sending, they're able because they worked for it, same with an OFW who's working in other parts of the world. Surely US accepts immigrants in their country since everbody knows they're not the real owners of that land. Whenever a US Aid cometh, reality is, you can't be sure if it's true or just a propaganda to portray them as generous.
1. Invaded the Americas and killed the owners of the land, the native american indians. A gross sin to humanity.
2. Colonized various lands in the 1800s. Plundered and hindered their potential prosperity forever.
3. Used nuclear weapon 2X in Japan without thinking about the innocent lives.
4. Made war with NoKor and the Viets with all LIES.
5. Economically/militarily mingled with the south americas in the 60s to 80s but covertly hindered their development.
6. Prolifirates gossips and insecurities just to sell military hardwares. Claims to be helpful and generous towards weak allies like Phil. but actually a wolf in sheep's clothing. Looks like they handed US Aid regularly through the years but can't be sure if it's true or just an advertising. Pinoys will never taste prosperity as long as they look up to Uncle Sam as a friend and move away from his influence.
7. Liberated Kuwait and Iraq but with an unjustified price.
8. Controls the worlds News & Media to maintain an innocent, charismatic, lamb-like profile. But its truth are distilled with lies.
9. What else is new? Make war with developing nations to maintain dominance? Claims to be rich and a role-model but actually plundering the wealth of nations. Incessantly complains when losing economically or militarily. Spread lies, lies, lies, lies ...... Land of milk and honey? American dream? Land of daydreamers who hopelessly wishing that all worlds' wealth and pride comes to their table. I hope the whole sane world will wake up and confront this arrogant pseudo policeman.
Another defense and security consultant who is myopically biased in favor of the US's domineering presence in Asia Pacific.
Six paragraphs (out of 10) are about this US super fighter plane. Are they good? Of course they are. But what the author is missing is whether these planes matter much to the Philippines' security. Can't Mr. Custodio simply accept that US defense and security abacus is based on its OWN interests and that the interests of other states in the region are simply peripheral to its OWN interests?
Mr. Custodio, a teacher of history, has apprently forgotten how the US has treated its "brown brother" in the Pacific. He should wake up. Filipino soldiers (most of whom are dead) are still BEGGING to be given what is due them after fighting alongside US soldiers in WWII. Maybe you also forgot the Parity Rights and its effects? Vietnam, whobled US, will sign for an MLSA with the US as an EQUAL.
Do you know, Mr. Custodio, what happened to the drydock in Subic? The dock is rotting San Diego. It was sheer vindictiveness on the part of the US to dismantle it and bring it back to the mainland just because they were "kicked out" of Subic (ungrateful Filipinos, you!) Your country needed that badly.
So, rather than write about Raptors and RP-US defense relations, write about an independent RP security and defense policy--one that is not dependent to the US. The US is too far away from the Philippines and its domestic political winds do not augur well to the geostrategic position of the Philippines. Come to think of it, what did the Philippines get from being under the influence of the US? The most glaring answer is Marcos, who was even praised by then VP Bush for his adherence to democratic principles.
Carve a real and appropriate defense and security plan for the Philippines. It's about time to think about ASEAN, China, and yes, even Russia. Their support to their own allies are much enduring and respectful than the US who looks at your country as a starry-eyed, brown girl who is wont to open her legs at every opportunity of dating a white-skinned, blue-eyed GI Joe.
Carve a real and appropriate defense and security plan for the Philippines. It's about time to think about ASEAN, China, and yes, even Russia. Their support to their own allies are much enduring and respectful than the US who looks at your country as a starry-eyed, brown girl who is wont to open her legs at every opportunity of dating a white-skinned, blue-eyed GI Joe. Hotell London
I hope the writer considers the book "US Dim Mak Points" by Gen. Victor Corpus. The war is not about pure muscle, since there are many weak points of US that an enemy can take advantage of. All of these were discussed in the book.
"..The eight DIM MAK points where China can bring the US to its knees — vulnerability to electro-information attack, dependency on foreign oil, US dollar vulnerability, diplomatic isolation, geographical military handicap (why the Philippines became Ground Zero), asymmetric vulnerability, satellite-based military command and control and aircraft carrier battle groups..."
Before everyone sinks their blame to North Korea without ever thinking just because it's a communist country, the South Koreans with the constant proddings of the US merchants of death and their culture of sowing tensions so as to sell more military hardwares to South Koreans are to blame. Why this military exercise drills a frequent routine and with an increasing near-border target? Aren't you fools when you're provoking and then after wondering why there's retaliation after repeated warnings even with the sinking of a ship? F_ing bonehead this hawkish US policies! Aren't you humane enough to consider other peoples feelings? You warmongers and global plunderers! Aren't you insensitive when military drills are like going in a strangers neighborhood and reenacting how you will butcher the nearest target family. What if a joint Russia-China military exercise periodically happens in Cuba? What will US feel? Will that a sowing tension while the US drills outside their borders an exception? Stop listening to Uncle Sam, the pseudo-policeman of the world. It's ironic western media doesn't write details and just blaming anyone if they aren't aligned to the west. What a devil in sheep's clothing with a multitude of minions. Poor innocent civilians from both sides just because of this military drills. If a country is peace-loving, why there's still a need for military drills? You're shouting peace yet your actions shows the opposite. If you're persistent with military drills, then do it within your own countries and jurisdictions not on another countries' border. Through all these years even with a status quo between the two Koreas, the US is still in SoKor dictating what and not what to do. East Asia will surely be more peaceful without the warmongering US. And the US is even sending its aircraft carrier this Nov.28 to the support military drills, then calling it defensive? What a hypocrisy! Because of this, probably the two Koreas are now in the brink of another war whenever the US intervenes and asserts their masquerading evil ways. Look at the history of World War I how it started from a small incident to learn a lesson. Also look at the map where the aggressors SoKor and US are conducting the drills, an enclosed sea shared by NoKor and China. Then, why conduct their drills there? Before you believe the news nowadays about regimes, govts., oppressed citizens, etc; think and analyze first if it's true because the US is a big liar all through the years. Most often US intervention always leads to bloodshed of innocent civilians, wikipedia exposed this a few weeks ago.
""Before you believe the news nowadays about regimes, govts., oppressed citizens, etc; think and analyze first if it's true because the US is a big liar all through the years. Most often US intervention always leads to bloodshed of innocent civilians, wikipedia exposed this a few weeks ago""
Sorry man I dont think this is the case
Baby snugli
Before you believe the news nowadays about regimes, govts., oppressed citizens, etc; think and analyze first if it's true because the US is a big liar all through the years. Most often US intervention always leads to bloodshed of innocent civilians, wikipedia exposed this a few weeks ago but as usual, ended in the trash before it reach the knowledge of ordinary folks. While the US has shown dubious humanitarian works in its allies through the years, it has shown too its disrespect to a nation's sovereignty which should never be forgotten. Do you think the US is in SoKor & Japan to help them when needs arise? Partly true but the real obvious aim is to spy on Asia so as to perpetuate their domination forever. The Koreas might have been united long ago if not with the meddling of the US. It's a pity people who hate others who are different are made to believe this way because of what lies are fed to us by media. Can't people analyze ever since the American Indians are wipe out 'till this day, uncle sam and its people are always itching for the trigger?
A lot of Filipino citizens were scratching their head like me on what happens to our Senators like Miriam Defensor who was so vocal about the VFA. Then, she was seconded by Senate President Enrile, followed by Pangilinan, Joker Arroyo, and Senator Angara.
The truth is, these Senators may be with politics for a long time, but, their loyalty to the country is under scrutiny. Why are they speaking against the VFA in UNISON. By carefully looking at their physical feature, you can not but noticed that all of them has Chinese parents. In short, they are Chinese. At this times where China has finally showed its hegemonic intention in Asia, like its unilateral claim to South China Sea and the East China Sea, it would not be surprising that now, the Chinese leaning Senators are no longer afraid declaring their true identity.
Actually, the Philippine Government is dominated by Chinese, more so at present. And not only the government but also the economic powerhouse of our country. If this is so, it would not be a surprise why we have Chinese leaning politicians because for a fact, our politicians are Chinese.
Last week, a cable T.V. Cha. 24 "KTV" broadcasted a political propaganda favoring China thru misinformation. The Chinese who was pretending to be a Filipino Historian stated that the Laurel-Langley Treaty or the so called Parity Law was disadvantageous to the Philippines. He deliverately omitted the generocity the Americans granting the Philippines favorable terms like bigger Sugar quota for export, lower tariff on Abaca, Manila Rope, our Copra or coconut oil, and certain textiles that enters America. He never mentioned the thousands of Filipinos that trained in America like Doctors, Engineers and Agriculturist free of charge. In UNTV, the guest directly attacks the VFA, not surprising, he looks very much Chinese.
We have to read between the lines, just why things are going wrong in our relationship with America. Primarily, it is because our government is controlled by the Chinese.
Burberry Scarf
Burberry
This is another long statement blaming the USA. It's true America hasn't been perfect with it's decisions in the past but that doesn't mean we should consider them enemies. I did not read one specific suggestion on how you think the Philippines can improve its national defense.
To those that blame America for military failures in the Philippines please come up with truthful facts. VFA has strengthened relationships between the US and Philippines. Do you really think the Philippines should be "independent" and isolated and defend itself on its own. NO, you want to be allied with other nations when it comes to defense. The Philippines cannot defend itself alone by itself. Do you want the Philippines to be isolated like North Korea or do you want to have international allies?
Do you really want to be allied with China and Russia? What have they done to help the Philippines? Make your decision and be clear.
Very well explained, although it was written in English, I wish that lahat ng Pilipino ay mabasa ang article na ito sa wikang Tagalog. Nagdaan ako sa kabataan na ang pagkaka-alam ko ay ang lahi ng Amerikano na ang hangad lamang ay gamitin tayong mga Pilipino para sa kanilang hangarin na masakop ang mundo, ngunit habang napag-aralan ko ang mga adhikain ng Banyagang Amerikano, naitanong ko sa aking sarili na kung ang hangarin ng mga banyaga ay para sa sariling kapakanan, bakit sa lubos na pagtulong nila sa ating mga Pilipino ay ang hangad lamang nila ay ang ating kapayapaan at ang maging ligtas sa kaphamakan. Ang mga tulong ng banyagang Amerikano na dapat ay para sa mamamayang Pilipino ay napupunta lamang sa mga pulitiko na ang nais ay mapaalis ang Militar ng Amerikano. Ngunit sa anong dahilan? Sa mga pulitikong maaayos ang pamumuhay dahil sa salaping kanilang tinatamasa ay walang hirap na nakakapangibang bansa ng walng balakid papuntang Amerika kasama ang kanilang pamilya, na ang karamihan ay mayroong mga kabuhayan sa Amerika na nagkakahalaga ng libo or milyong dolyar. Gaano na lamang ang kinikita ng isang pulitiko sa ating bansa, subalit nakakapag pundar ng kabuhayan sa Amerika. Halimbawa na lamang ang ang isang General na ang buong pamilya ay may kaso dahil sa pag puslit ng malaking halaga sa bansang Amerika na kung tutuusin sa sweldo nya ay napakalaki para magkaroon nang ganoong kalaking halaga. Saan nanggagaling ang kanilang mga pondo para ipundar ang malaking halaga sa ibang bansa. Ngunit tumututol sila sa pananatili ng Militar ng Amerikano dito sa ating bayan. Ito ay isang kuro-kuro lamang.
Last night I have a beautiful dream. I dreamed about that the Philippine becomes a truly sovereign country and its Armed Forces was self-reliant in its defense capabilities and needs. Its self-reliance become a reality because in that DREAM... JOSE ANTONIO CUSTUDIO AND HIS TRIBE COMPOSED OF AMERICAN LAPDOGS, FIL-AMS WHO LOVE AMERICA MORE AND GREENCARD HOLDERS HAVE SUFFERED THEY SAME FATE WITH THE DINOSAURS--THEY BECAME EXTINCT DUE TO DEATH AND OTHER CAUSES. AND WHY DINOSAURS BECAME EXTINCT- THEY HAVE BIG BODIES BUT SMALL BRAINS AND CUSTODIO ET AL ARE LIKE DINOSAURS.
HOWEVER, WHEN I WOKE UP I REALIZE THAT I WAS ONLY DREAMING. OH NO..
very useful information
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I understand that the US will sometimes have unconventional dealings that are unethical, to achieve what it wants that look bad in the eyes of other countries. What makes it worse is it contradicts the mere principles the country's founding fathers wanted to uphold, but the US is still the lesser of all evils if you compare it to other countries that never cared about its borders, other than its own and if it cared, it wanted to take over. One reply stated that the Philippines might be better of aligning with China and Russia. Really? Maybe you should educate yourself about these two country's history and what its human rights records are. You might be ok with your kids working in a factory instead of going to school and get imprisoned for browsing the wrong site in the net. If you're Filipino, maybe you should thank the US for saving your great grandparents from the Spaniards for enslaving your brown behind for starters. Another reply stated that if the US did not intervene in the North and South Korean conflict that the two Koreas might have achieved peace. You could not know the outcome of what could've happened you could not speak for what the South Koreans wanted and for sure, South Korea will be a communist country right now will be eyeing on the Phils as its next target. I have friends in the Philippine military and its ridiculous how they have to purchase standard gear with their already low salary just to keep up with the insurgents. The US donated millions of dollars worth of military gear to our country so our forces can defend ourselves from ourselves. We skipped attending the awarding of a noble peace price because we want to kiss China's ass to appease them from the hostage standoff when they dont appease us when our OFW's are abused, treated like slaves and most of the time killed by their employers. Hmmm i dont hear this much happening to our proud and revered human export to the US and even proudly praise our race for outstanding work ethics. Really, if China decides to invade our country. Will you be willing to submit to Chinese rule and wipe their asses for them. Before you submit a rant, keep it real and look at the big picture. My main rant is the LESSER OF ALL EVILS. If you favored RUSSIA, CHINA, NORTH KOREA, CUBA. GO AND LIVE IN THIS COUNTRIES nobody's stopping you.
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