By Jet D. Antolin
JAPAN can now deploy its forces in the Philippines under the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) discussed by the defense and foreign affairs ministers of both countries yesterday, July 8.
This is the concern raised by former representative Antonio Tinio, spokesperson of P1NAS, that it could worsen the situation and the Philippines into a war against their common enemy, China.
“This agreement would permit Japan forces to be stationed in the Philippines for the first time since World War II Tinio said, adding that this is part of a “US-led military build-up” in the region that could be a trigger for war. It is widely known that China is also claiming Japanese territory in the East East China Sea the country continues to occupy Philippine territory in the South China Sea the Philippines and Japan are allies of the United States (US) and are rivals with China, not only in terms of economy but also in military power, which is why Tinio concerned about the new military agreement entered into by the Marcos administration.
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas also displeased the plan because it seems that the Marcos administration has forgotten Japan’s past wrongdoings against Filipinos during World War II.
“We must not forget the historical context of this agreement. Japan has yet to fully atone for its wartime atrocities, particularly the systematic abuse of comfort women. It is unjust to allow Japanese soldiers back into our country as if no blood was shed when they invaded here before,” Brosas said.
Marcos is not satisfied with continuing the presence of American forces in the Philippines; he has added a military agreement with Japan, which Brosas believes further endangers the country’s peace.
“The Marcos Jr. administration must pursue an independent foreign policy that promotes peace and national sovereignty instead of setting up a war playground for foreign troops in our own land,” the lady solon emphasized.
