Miriam urges gov't: End US dependence

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Thursday urged the government to end its dependence on the United States (US) for national security amid a territorial dispute against China.

The senator suggested that the country should instead strengthen its surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering capabilities in monitoring the South China Sea instead of relying on US forces.

"The Philippines will have to once and for all abandon its full-spectrum dependence on America as a guarantor of its national security," Santiago said in a statement.

Santiago noted that the Philippines should deploy coast guard forces and not naval vessels as it would further escalate tensions in the region and may even lead to an all-out war.

The senator added that the government should develop the Armed Forces of the Philippines only second to the Philippine Coast Guard.

"Obviously, the Philippines or any regional state can never match Chinese defense spending, but we will have to have to develop minimum deterrence capabilities that allow us to resist and inflict sufficient retaliation if China continues to undermine Philippine territorial integrity," Santiago said.

The presidential aspirant vowed a refurbished, empowered and well-equipped Coast Guard if ever she wins in the upcoming elections.

She also said that her administration will strengthen Philippine presence in disputed areas by maintaining its facilities in the Ayungin Shoal and other features under its control.

The Philippines claims part of the disputed waters which it calls the West Philippine Sea.

"So long as we don’t permanently alter the nature of disputed features, we will not be violating the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," the senator said.

"The Philippines must ensure that it adopts, as much as possible, an equi-balancing strategy towards both China and America. To push back against Chinese adventurism by deepening Philippine dependence on another power runs counter to the very logic of protecting its national sovereignty," Santiago added.

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