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Non-Ratification Of Treaty Is Morally Right
First Published: Reflections - Philippine Daily Inquirer Publication Date: 4th September 1991 Author's Name: Father Shay Cullen SSC This week I was happy to be invited to speak at the Negros Priests Forum about the moral issues surrounding the continued presence of US military in the Philippines. In fact I have been invited to many dioceses and provinces during the past year to speak on the same subject. What I learned from talking with the Lay leaders, Sisters, Priests and Bishops who organized the jam-packed symposiums was that there is a widely based popular sentiment against the continuation of the bases. These people are close to their communities and know every heart beat in every town and barrio .They are the organizers of people and voices of influence . Many are also reflective readers of the Inquirer and avid fans of this column. They have been writing to tell me how they clip and copy this column, post it on school bulletin boards, pass it around their office, mail it to senators and send it abroad. Senator Rene Saguisag wrote to tell me that he had read one column, in full, into the Senate record. That was the column about the effect of the military bases on the social environment that led to the sexual exploitation of street children and the death of Rosario Baluyot. All that might appear to be self-serving and flattering, perhaps, but more importantly it shows the hunger of so many people to know the moral truth about the bases and their desire to convince others. I am greatly encouraged by those actively working for a a just and military free society by their service to the poor. One dedicated priest wrote recently; "I always read your column in the Sunday issue of the "Philippine Inquirer". (sic) I am inspired in my work, especially among the poor of our parish, because of your courage and the power of your reflections". Any "power" in Reflections comes from the power behind that priest's commitment in serving the poor. God speaks to us in different ways. He speaks in the action and events surrounding those who follow his ways, believe his revealed truths, follow his example in building a world, - a kingdom of truth and justice . In Mindanao and the Visayas and Southern Tagalog region there is a widespread perception that the military training and weapons from the United States to the AFP as part payment for the use of the bases are being used to to kill Filipinos who protest injustice many of them church people. They also connect the Low Intensity Conflict strategy and the fundamentalist backed vigilantes with the US bases issue and rightly so because they are one and the same. My files bulge with statements by religious, diocesan and church groups of all denominations against the continuation of the bases. The Holy and enlightened Muslims are guided by Allah in a virtuous life and they reject such moral evils that flow from the continuation of military bases. Christians have a lot to learn from the strength and goodness and especially from the moral teachings of Islam. This is ground where all can stand together as children of Allah. The Senators now deliberating the ratification of the treaty can proceed with confidence that their historical rejection has the support of a mighty grass root constituency that has a long memory and a strong conviction as to what is morally right and where the national interest is found. It is certainly not with the elitist interests that has kept the poor in bondage to foreign powers in a neo-colonial world where might or white is believed to be right. We must do what God wants - to act morally and justly. The Senators will be guided by what is morally right and what is for the common good. They will not serve the good of the business barons, the sugar moguls, the textile tycoons or the money magnets. Nor will they be intimidated by threats tempted with bribes. They who are honorable will be seen to be so and they who are not will be known to be so.
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