Bush is counting heads . . . of state

When George W. Bush set an invitation the other day for PGMA to come to Washington, the message was clear: Come to the US, support us in this war against Iraq, and we will help you build a strong republic.

I have always maintained that the Philippines has this special relationship with the United States because of economic and military ties. Both countries are practically intertwined. There are, to date, three million Filipinos scattered from the East and West Coast. Uncle Sam still remains as our No. 1 one trading partner. More than 90 percent of our military hardware come from the US. A substantial portion of what we get as economic aid we receive from Washington.

America’s campaign against Iraq could be a window of opportunity for us to strengthen even more our ties with the United States by showing our support. As one friend said, "We have to seize the moment before the moment seizes us."

Two very high officials from the United States arrived last night supposedly to go and brief the president when she comes back from Kuwait on the evidence they have gathered against Saddam Hussein. The timing for PGMA to express her support will be shortly after this evidence is presented to her, and not after the United Nations comes out with the resolution. This is the window of opportunity for PGMA to make that stand on behalf of the country on whether we will help in the war against Iraq or not.

Sure, nationalism is very important and we do have to stress that we are independent and sovereign. I agree that before we make any decision in this regard, we have to keep our national interest in mind. But our national interest, in a case like this, is tied in with the US. Why? Our security in the region is linked completely with US support to our military. If China decides one day to suddenly occupy and seize the Spratley Islands or invade the Philippines tomorrow, there’s no other country to go for military support but the United States. We do not have the wherewithal and the manpower to engage China in a full-blown war. Hence, it is practical and downright pragmatic for us to support the war against Iraq – if the evidence, which in my view is strong and solid, will indicate that Saddam Hussein has all of these weapons of mass destruction. This will, of course, in the long run, affect the Philippines, being an ally of America.

There’s a long line of countries today that have already given their support to the United States, namely Portugal, Spain and Italy. It seems they are isolating countries like Germany and France in Europe. In Asia, Singapore, no doubt, is courting the United States to remain in Asia because they strongly believe that their security is anchored on their friendship and alliance with the US. In fact, the former Singaporean ambassador took great lengths at learning how to do underwater diving because the US envoy happens to enjoy that as a hobby.

There are consequences that may come about because of this war, but all these are inevitable, anyway – with or without the war. Terrorism has affected our economy and cost our country a tremendous amount of investments and development opportunities. In fact, today, because of the unstable peace and order condition of the country, more than US$50 billion in "legitimate" Filipino money has left the Philippines in what is considered as one of the most disquieting capital flights in years. It is apparent in Bush’s State-of-the-Union address that the US will go to war with Iraq. In fact, there is no love lost between Saddam and Bush. Remember, during the Gulf War in 1992, it was Bush Sr. who engaged Saddam in a war to save Kuwait. Now, it’s the son at the forefront. It’s inevitable.

At the end of the day, we are really tied in with the US. Filipinos are familiar with the kind of barkada system that we have in this country. If one person in the group finds himself in trouble with another gang, the whole barkada pitches his support in the fight. Friendship is a very important part of our culture. That’s why we should seize this moment and give our full cooperation. But more importantly, supporting the US in this war is the most pragmatic thing to do.

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