Philippines vs. Bullies

I hate bullies. I was bullied as a kid that even now that I’m older I still find myself gritting my teeth when I’m reminded of it. And I always regret the fact that I pretty much allowed them to push me around.

Now my heart breaks for my country as China bullies us over a long-standing territorial dispute.

Nothing’s really new. We all watched helplessly as China continues to build structures on islands and waters belonging to the Philippines. We bemoan how Chinese coast guard and maritime militia shoo away Filipino fishermen and media in our own sovereign waters.

Then just last week, we heard about the news of a Chinese fishing vessel abandoning a sinking Philippine fishing boat after hitting it at Reed (Recto) Bank.

This thing about China’s high-handed tactic in claiming our territorial seas and their blatant disregard of an arbitrary tribunal decision is truly maddening. However, the lack of assertion of our rights from the present administration, despite the fact that PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) backs us up, fuels my ire even more.

President Duterte, who indirectly caused the death of thousands from his drug crackdown, the very person who cursed Pope Francis and former US president Barrack Obama, the ballsy leader who called the European Union ‘stupid’, the same one who threatened war on Canada over the waste dispute, the leader who had no qualms alienating anyone who disagrees or questions him, appears to be all too scared to sever ties with China.

Adding insult to injury, after more than a week of the Reed Bank incident, the president downplayed what happened as a “little maritime accident”. His apologists were also quick to add that the collision was more of a ‘graze’ than a direct, deliberate hit.

When asked why they left the Filipino fishermen, they said that the Chinese fled the scene because they were afraid to be “besieged” by other Filipino vessels.

If that wasn’t absurd enough, presidential spokesperson Panelo discounted his kababayan’s account of what happened. According to him, there were "circumstances that give doubt to the version" of the Filipino fishermen. The Duterte supporters used this reasoning too when commenting on social media posts about the incident.

Truly, my heart goes out to the Filipino fishermen because their own government and people doubted them.

In the end, President Duterte stands by China and refuses to send military ships because, as he said, the Philippines is not ready for a nuclear war.  Sure, they can say that this is a ‘calculated statement’ from the president and that its mere intention was to calm the people as the tensions are getting high. But we can’t help but lament over the lack of grit on our part and how the entire situation is mishandled. The government’s passive approach is a clear signal to China that we are pushovers that can be shushed.

A rational Filipino would never suggest declaring war against China. A thinking Filipino would only say that we need a tougher stance over the dispute once and for all. Standing up to China doesn’t necessarily lead to war. Vietnam, for example, is also at odds with China for the same reason, yet they continue on even if the rest of the countries within the region are keeping their heads down.

If the Philippines is not ready for war, I’m sure as hell that China isn’t too. They have so much to lose if that happens. Their geopolitical and economic interests will be at risk so all these talks of a possible nuclear war are obviously meant to scare the common Filipinos to submission and silence.

I may not understand a lot about EEZ, the difference between territorial or sovereign waters—or maybe international maritime laws and arbitration—but there’s one thing I know for sure as a Filipino: We are being bullied, and so far they are succeeding.

The most painful of it all is not only that we are being bullied by China, this administration also bullies its own people. After a closed-door meeting with Sec. Piñol, the boat captain of the sunken vessel changed his statement and is now saying he’s not sure if the Chinese vessel deliberately hit them. Whatever happened? Your guess is as good as mine. I don’t blame the fishermen if they changed their statement. I really don’t.

We need a leader who can strengthen our national sovereignty, not someone who abuse words like 'bilateral relations' to justify an inaction. I hope the next president of this country will have the balls to defend the Filipino people and its territory and not just a filthy caballero machismo.