WPS and BBL: El Gamma Penumbra

This merry month of May, millions of Filipinos celebrated the triumph of EI Gamma Penumbra, this shadow play group from Batangas in the Asia Got Talent competition in Singapore. The Filipino dancers did it with imagination,grace and precision. Now, millions of Filipinos are hoping that the government will emulate with the same talent and purpose to resolve two issues which the country faces moments of truth: The West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The aggressive reclamations and improvements by China of submerged areas in the South China Sea are being matched by increased decibels of concern, worry,”probing” and warning from the US,EU,some members of Asean and other individual members of the international community.Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China’s “will to safeguard our own sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and it is unshakeable,” On the the other hand , US Secretary of State Kelly said that it will “continue to fully exercise” the right to operate in international waters and airspace. How much of these statements are bluster /rhetoric will reach their denoument in the next few weeks.