The professor points out the theory behind the economic integration, however the Phil have to be wary of whom they are integrating with. These are countries who are not culturally similar to the Phil. In fact, the Phil. is the only unique culture among Muslims, Chinese descendants, Hindus and others; all of which have common links with one another. The reason I bring this up are as follows:
*The other Asian countries are aware the advantage the Phil has as the only Christian country with American style of education, an English-speaking labor pool, would have a much better rapport with the West. The other countries will seek to diminish this Phil advantage by establishing AEC rules that will promote equal distribution of foreign investments. These foreign investments would start pouring in to the Phil, now that the Phil have started to develop a friendlier foreign economic environment.
*Some of these countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore have more mature industries, but of aging populations, higher labor costs and they would like to exploit the much younger and more educated Phil labor. They will aim to attract them and deprive the Phil of the soon-to-be useful top tier labor force that will be needed in the growing Phil. With no restrictions on travel and work within the AEC, the Phil will stand to lose their growing, most educated and experienced work force with its disabled ability to control migration (referencing: depopulated Eastern Europeans migration to depopulating Western Europe).
*Phil. Universities will be gutted out of the more qualified professors who teach Western Cultural programs, English programs etc. (even the Math and Sciences) only to transfer to the higher paid Universities in SEA.
One should question why the ASEAN neighbors had decided so abruptly to establish the AEC now that the Phil. had started its economic ascent and is being predicted to be the top economy by 2050 within community. Does the Phil have more to lose than gain in this new community? If the answer is yes, the Phil stands to lose; will this erode Phil progress and give the other countries a competitive edge to be the top economy in the region?
How about an economic relationship like the UK has with the EU? They are not as officially a member still using their own currency, but they seem to have its own contract with the EU having most of its membership benefits.
And if membership to the AEC looks beneficial, the Phil. should watch not to lose its proverbial shirt in doing so. Some constitutional restraints should be in place protecting its advantages rather than giving it away. It is said, when it sounds to good to be true, it really isn't. Never mind what these neighbors say: where were they when the Phil was having its economic woes? They marginalized the Phil instead, calling it, "the sick man of Asia." Remember? Always assume there are selfish motives in the making; always have since the dawn of time; the Phil should be ready to protect its own interest and its own advantages. Being selfish in this case is being wise.
Therefore, if membership is seemed as beneficial, and its requirements are containable, the word should be- proceed with caution. Never give up the ship, especially with stranger cultures.
Finally, and equally important: the Phil. being the only westernized country, should take it upon itself as the leader of the pack, the way Germany and Merkel leads EU. Others might say, the Phil is not the top economy, who voted you to be one? Of course there won't be votes for that. A person from any country may be voted as chairman, but that's not what I speak of. I speak of the Phil being the "existential authority." Who has the existential authority in this world? It's the Western nations, not the Muslims or the Hindus or others. Who has the best cultural ties with the West, and therefore the most trusted because of its like-mindedness? It's the Philippines! The Phil should speak and act with moral authority among these stranger cultures, and to be the go-between between the West and the AEC.
P.S.
The Sabbah issue needs to be clarified. Filipinos should be refrained from working in that stolen territory which will only merit Malaysia. This is an issue that also involves the UK monarchy. I suspect that this monarchy owns that territory or a big part of it, while flying under the Malaysian flag. You can tell that every time the issue is raised British fighters start their conspicuous movement. The last time was 2012 (I believe) when Filipino Tausogs moved in with 100 armed men. British fighters landed in Eastern Malaysia for a "training exercise." It does not have much to do with Malaysia as a former colony, but rather its UK monarchy's shared ownership.
Overall, the survey results demonstrate how the AEC and the AEC Blueprint could address some of the issues that have constrained private sector response to the opportunities provided by greater openness in the Philippines, particularly the complex and inefficient administrative processes and procedures, and lack of effective competition in key sectors of the economy. While the Philippines has demonstrated its commitment to the AEC and the AEC Blueprint, key measures still need to be realized, particularly those that relate to services liberalization, customs integration, and ratification of transport protocols and agreements. The analyses of the study have demonstrated the benefits of the accomplishment of AEC measures in the Philippines, particularly those that precisely addressed the key institutional weaknesses faced by the private sector. Further delays in implementation could be costly for the country.