ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban, Jr. is optimistic that China would abide on the existing code of conduct that govern the claimant countries on the Spratlys to avoid the use of force in settling conflicts or differences.

China has announced that it will deploy an additional 36 ships in the South China Sea within a five-year period.

Beijing actions will only ‘militarize’ the area. Other claimant countries who have a military capacity to increase its forces in the contested area will definitely follow suit, like Vietnam, reportedly has acquired a submarine from Russia.

What about the Philippines? We can only hope that China will behave as a good neighbor.

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I like to believe that Beijing is sending a signal to all stakeholder because the  announcement was made after the conclusion of the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta where the regional bloc, which the Philippines is a member – agreed to work hard in achieving ‘one community by 2015.’

As a bloc, ASEAN will play a major role in the ASIA Pacific Region where China’s interest and influence dominates.

Responding to a question on China’s naval build-up, Oban said: “I think...they will be true to their word in abiding by the code of parties in the South China Sea.”

What if a similar incident like the Reed Bank incident happened again?  Well, Manila will send again a Note Verbale to Beijing.

With the military limited resources and capability Oban said the Philippine Navy, including the Philippine Coast Guard as instructed by President Aquino will continue to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

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Manila should play its card well in dealing with China, particularly on the Spratly Islands.  While it says its open to mutual cooperation in the contested territory, it show it muscle, tantamount  to bullying claimant parties in the Spratlys.

If conflict arises and the use of force will not be avoided in settling the dispute, we can ‘only hope that Philippines can weather it through’ by the intervention perhaps of the United Nations which to busy is settling other regional disputes.

What about “Uncle Sam,” we can only hope so.

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Summer is about to end and rainy season is coming very soon. I hope everybody is ready.

The first heavy rains catches Metro Manilans with surprised 9 hour traffic at the South Luzon Expressway, reason heavy flooding at SLEX near Bicutan Exit. Because of Typhoon Bebeng many were caught unaware. The governor of Albay blamed PAGASA for the flooding that affected his province.

Again we can only hope, that the government and the people have learned already,  and will not be caught off guard again whenever there is typhoon or heavy rains.