Ano nga ba ang dapat gawin ng RP Team?

TOKYO (Via PLDT)—Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may try to get the support of the Philippines, the current chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for efforts to amend the Constitution to allow its military to play a greater role in regional security amid concerns, Ambassador Domingo Siazon said yesterday.

Siazon issued the statement hours ahead of President Arroyo’s four-day visit here where she will hold talks with Abe and meet with business leaders today. On Thursday, the President will address the 13th Nikkei Conference to be attended by other regional leaders.

Last week, Japan’s parliament approved a bill that paves the way for a referendum on amending the Constitution to allow the military to play a more assertive role in regional security.

Siazon said Abe might explain to Mrs. Arroyo the process of amending the Japanese Constitution, “and the ongoing debate on collective security and right of Japan to exercise collective security.”

The meeting is scheduled at 4 p.m. at the Prime Minister’s office.

Siazon said while the issue on the expanded role of the Japanese military is not officially on the agenda, “when they talk about security issues, amending the Constitution, in the subconscious, it’s there.”

“But I’m quite certain the security issue will be discussed,” Siazon told reporters.

“The President always said we would like you to be an effective player in ensuring the safety and stability and security of our region, commensurate to your economic size.”

Japan’s Constitution, drafted by the US occupation authorities after World War II, has not been changed since 1947.

It bans Japan’s military force from settling international disputes and from maintaining a military for warfare.

However, Japan’s Constitution has been stretched to allow it to maintain a defense force, one of the most modern in the world.

Siazon said the Philippines and Japan have a mutual defense treaty with the US.

“The present situation (in the region) is not exactly stable because of terrorism…and relationship (treaties) help in stabilizing the region,” he said.

Japan also has a similar agreement with Australia, he added.

Siazon said Mrs. Arroyo is also likely to push for greater security and counter-terrorism cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, and the rest of the region.

Before leaving Manila yesterday, Mrs. Arroyo said she would complete her talks with Abe on “continuing vigilance in the pursuit of regional security, stability and peace. The ongoing concerns about North Korea’s nuclear capability and the existing danger of global terrorism remain front and center.”

“Plans for improved coordination and cooperation (on security) will be discussed along with our shared economic agenda,” she said.

Mrs. Arroyo said she would also seek more Japanese aid in ensuring peace and development in Mindanao, where the government seeks to forge peace with separatist groups and eliminate terror cells.