Let us not expect too much

Echoes From

BY JOHNNY DAYANG

Let us not expect too much from the United States of America, Its president, Barack Obama, will only do things good for America first.

Too much reliance on alliances, be it political or economics, is not altogether a sound policy. It may comfort us to note that America herself is facing complex problems. Americans are not happy now. They owe trillion of dollars from China.

So, let us not expect America to intervene in our effort to settle maritime disputes with China through arbitration. However, President Obama has invoked international norm in settling disputes which the Philippines has already done with regards to its issue with China over country’s maritime territory. Obama, somehow said, that it disdain the sending of ships, intimidation and bullying in the settlement of disputes. It’s always good, of course, to settle disputes peacefully.

Let us not also expect the US, particularly the Philippine government to rush explaining the contents and implications of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). I am sure the well-meaning members of the Senate will soon be examining EDCA. Likewise, I am sure the Supreme Court will thoroughly examine it. Media forum and other fora, including the academe will definitely subject EDCA to intelligent discussions.

No doubt, the defense agreement is in favor of the US the Philippines. The integrity of our nation and independence of our Republic can be protected well enough if our leaders can rise above pity consideration and truly uphold national welfare and freedom.

***
There exists persistent question as to why the Janet Napoles’ affidavit cannot be released to the public? Can that affidavit executed by Ms. Napoles be altered or changed? Has it been notarized?

If it indeed contained the names of over 100 current and ex-members of the House of Representatives and a number of senators enough to constitute a quorum, plus her mentors, then it would really be catastrophic of great proportions if her allegation contained in an affidavit would be released now.

The EDCAissue might be relegated, if not forgotten soon, but the P10-Billion PDAF scam will continue to pervade. in the pulpits, in the coffee shops, in the barangay halls, in current event discussions, in media forum, in the dinner tables, and even in corporate board rooms and law offices.