What’s there to celebrate Independence Day?
THE nationwide celebration of the 126th Independence Day last week seemed hollow to many amid the tension in the West Philippine Sea.
It was an oxymoron from the day Philippines turned its back on its independent foreign policy – friend to all, enemy to no one.
Consequently today, we see our country caught in the middle of a USA-China conflict over a security issue that does not directly involve the Philippines – the security of Taiwan against a potential military takeover by China.
The day President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to host 9 military bases in the country was the day the Philippine government dumped its independent policy. It was a decision that unmistakably told the world that Philippines is a friend to US, an enemy to China, a move that deprived hundreds of fishermen of their livelihood overnight.
Under the Duterte administration, Philippines maintained its position vs. China as defined by the UNCLOS but this did not stop China and Philippines from proceeding with their friendly relations, arriving at some compromises to give meaning to being friends.
There still was mutual respect for each other’s independent policies though conflicting policies in geopolitics was in the air. There were diplomatic exchanges to call attention to minor conflicts that otherwise remained exchanges, with no threats aired.
Today, our government not only warns of escalation of possible military offensive by China but already went as far as daring to file charges against officials of the China Embassy over an alleged wiretapping of a discussion meant to lower the tension between Philippines and China.
PBBM to date, has closed doors to a possible dialogue between friends. But wasn’t it he who as a senator in 2015 said that a dialogue with China must be had to resolve contentious issues between our two countries?
Alas, our continued independence as a freedom-loving country is clearly being threatened by the rivalry of US and China for world dominance.
So, what was there to celebrate?
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