NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: Chapter 21
In the lush gardens of Malacañang Palace, the afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over the manicured lawns and vibrant flowerbeds. President Marcos, dressed in a simple barong tagalog, was seated on a checkered picnic blanket spread under the shade of a towering acacia tree. Beside him, Imelda was arranging a basket of sandwiches, fruits, and homemade delicacies. Their children, Imee, Ferdinand Jr., and Irene, were playing nearby, their laughter filling the air.
"Look, Daddy, I caught a butterfly!" Irene exclaimed, running towards Marcos with her hands cupped around her prize.
"Be gentle with it, anak," Marcos said with a smile, carefully peeking into her small hands. "Butterflies are delicate creatures."
As the family enjoyed their afternoon, Marcos leaned back, savoring the rare moment of tranquility. Imelda handed him a glass of freshly squeezed calamansi juice, and they exchanged a contented smile. For a brief moment, the weight of his presidential duties seemed to lift, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by his loved ones.
The peaceful scene, however, was soon interrupted by the arrival of memories and thoughts that always lingered at the back of Marcos's mind. As he watched his children play, his thoughts drifted to the complex history of the Philippine territory and its legal foundations.
Marcos closed his eyes, allowing his mind to wander back through the annals of history. The story of the Philippines' territorial boundaries was a convoluted one, marked by treaties and diplomatic negotiations. He began to mentally recount the significant events and documents that had shaped the nation's territorial claims.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, marked the end of the Spanish-American War. Under this treaty, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. The boundaries of the Philippine archipelago were defined as including:
The main islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.Numerous smaller islands within the perimeter specified in the treaty.The waters surrounding these islands.
This treaty established the initial territorial boundaries of the Philippines under American sovereignty, laying the groundwork for future territorial claims.
Treaty of Washington (1900)
Following the Treaty of Paris, the Treaty of Washington was signed on November 7, 1900, to clarify and expand the territorial scope. This treaty specifically addressed islands that were omitted in the Treaty of Paris, further solidifying the Philippines' territorial boundaries. The additional islands included:
Sibutu and Cagayan de Sulu, located southwest of Mindanao.
Other minor islands that were inadvertently excluded in the previous treaty. The waters extending westward from the Philippine archipelago, up to the 118th meridian east, fall within the Philippine territory
Together, these treaties provided a comprehensive outline of the Philippine territory as recognized by international law at the turn of the 20th century.
Marcos's thoughts then turned to the contentious South China Sea. Historically, the waters extending westward from the Philippine archipelago, up to the 118th meridian east, fell within the Philippine territory as per the historical treaties. This vast expanse of water, rich in marine resources and strategically significant, included:
The Spratly Islands (locally referred to as the Kalayaan Island Group).
Scarborough Shoal (locally referred to as Bajo de Masinloc).
These areas, though claimed by multiple countries, were integral parts of the Philippine territory based on the historical treaties. The importance of these waters was not just strategic but also economic, with potential oil and gas reserves lying beneath their depths.
As Marcos contemplated this intricate history, he felt a renewed sense of determination. The discovery of oil and gas reserves within these waters was a testament to the strategic importance of the Philippine territory. It was a reminder of the need to protect and assert the nation's sovereign rights, not just for economic gain but for the future security and prosperity of the Filipino people.
He opened his eyes and looked around at his family, feeling a profound sense of responsibility. The decisions he made today would shape the future of his children and generations to come. With the groundwork for the oil exploration set in motion and the development of the local military industry underway, Marcos knew that the Philippines was on the brink of a transformative era.
"Ferdinand, are you okay?" Imelda's voice gently pulled him back to the present. She looked at him with concern, sensing the weight of his thoughts.
Marcos smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, Imelda. Just thinking about our country's future."
Imelda nodded, understanding the burden her husband carried. "We are making great strides, Ferdinand. I believe in your vision for our nation."
Marcos took her hand, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Imelda. With your support and the efforts of our dedicated team, I am confident that we can build a brighter future for the Philippines."
As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the Malacañang gardens, Marcos felt a sense of calm. The journey ahead was fraught with challenges, but he was resolute. With a clear vision and steadfast determination, he would navigate the complexities of governance and lead his country towards a prosperous and secure future.