Just a little observation today... In today's Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Efren Abu, talked about the AFP budget. In short, he compared the budget to neighboring countries and said that it is too small considering the AFP's responsibilities.
According to the news report, General Abu said that "critics who complained that defense spending ate up funds that could be used for more productive purposes such as education, health, and other basic services, ignore a fundamental axiom that security is a precondition for development. "
He added that "Far from being a luxury, an adequately equipped armed forces is rather a crucial investment for national progress." He then drew a comparison between defense spending and NPA strength, showing that insurgent forces reached their peak in 1985 as a consequence of a drop in defense spending."
I agree 100% that every country needs a strong military, and with one of the world's longest running insurgencies, the Philippines is no different. But I would like to twist the AFP Chief's words a bit, and say that "development is also a precondition for security." It's very possible that, during the period of decreased defense spending, the Philippine Government may have been spending less for basic services as well. Inadequate government support is most likely the more relevant factor which fuels lawlessness and dissatisfaction in the country. In a later post I intend to address the insurgency, and discuss what I think are the root forces that drive farmer's son's to take up arms against their own government. I believe my last statement gets to the heart of the issue. Stay tuned.
A collection of observations, discoveries, and general ramblings about Philippine politics and society, written by a guy who loves the country dearly -- in spite of the fact that it's slowly driving him crazy!
- accountability (10)
- citizenship (1)
- corruption (11)
- discipline (5)
- honor (8)
- insurgency (1)
- law enforcement (7)
- leadership (6)
- random (9)
- traffic (1)
"It's no use saying 'We are doing our best'. You have got to do what is necessary."
"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."
"I cannot accept, your canon that we are to judge pope and king unlike other men, with a favorable presumption that they do no wrong. If there is any presumption, it is the other way against holders of power ... Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
"It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power."
"The government is the potent omnipresent teacher. For good or ill it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. To declare that the end justifies the means -- to declare that the government may commit crimes -- would bring terrible retribution."
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."
Winston Churchill
"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."
Edmund Burke
"I cannot accept, your canon that we are to judge pope and king unlike other men, with a favorable presumption that they do no wrong. If there is any presumption, it is the other way against holders of power ... Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Lord Acton
"It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power."
David Brin
"The government is the potent omnipresent teacher. For good or ill it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. To declare that the end justifies the means -- to declare that the government may commit crimes -- would bring terrible retribution."
Justice Louis D. Brandeis
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."
Edmund Burke
1 comments:
I agree with your observations. My take on this issue is that the relationship between security and development can be quite paradoxical...chicken and egg if you will. It's difficult to have any security without development, nor can there be development without security. Best way to reconcile is that you certainly need both in order for this country to advance. One may follow the other, it only depends on what strategies the government chooses in order to facilitate the growth of both. Increased security may entice foreign investors and businessmen, making may for new capital and opportunities for growth and development. On the other hand increased development can also lead to better revenues and tax collection, paving the way for increased defense spending. One approach may be better than the other, depending on the circumstances.
We should also remember the corruption plays a major role in the development and security issue. The prevalence of corruption easily drives away potential investors, and we've all heard stories of the armed forces allegedly throwing battles, letting the enemy escape, or even selling of firearms and ammunition to the enemy. One cannot help but suspect this considering that the insurgency...both the communist and muslim secessionist movements, having been going on for decades, fueling suspicions of a quid quo pro relationship between them and the AFP.
Of course, these are all speculations, and nothing has been proven in all these years, despite several investigations and questions. But if you want to talk conspiracy, it doesn't seem likely that the defense spending would increase if there is no threat to speak of.
I just rambled, have a lot of thoughts (some coherent, some not) regarding this issue. Will be staying tuned for more of your opinions...:-)
Post a CommentMake a note