Individual legislators are free to speak their own mind on issues, with an informal consensus between the executive and legislative branches of government as to developing the common legislative agenda. Our political and economic life, however, is not without problems. These challenges will test the mettle of the current political leadership. We still have our long ongoing though much diminished communist insurgency that has been boosted by the financial crisis. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front with its demand for an independent Islamic state jeopardizes the peace and order in Mindanao.
Criminality continues to be a big problem.
Our military is weak compared to that of our neighbors and incapable of fully defending the country against foreign national security threats. The country is particularly threatened by the erection of military outposts by China in the disputed Spratly islands. We believe that this dispute can easily escalate and threaten the peace and stability of the region. Unfortunately, our military strength lacks credibility and the Asian financial crisis has forced government to postpone its much-needed Armed Forces military modernization program. Apart from the abundant natural resources in the Spratleys, this vital area straddles important sea-lanes.