EDITORIAL
Distinct Asian tact for diplomacy
AS we went to the press last week, we received the news that our fishermen from Infanta were finally able to fish inside the Scarborough Shoal. The details of the initial report literally and completely answered the concerns of our fishermen that we published in last week’s issue.
Our fishermen wanted total access and to be able to fish freely, and they got it. They were not harassed and driven away, instead they managed to fish freely for three days and returned home to their families like Santa Clause, with lots of goodies from the sea. It was Christmas in October in Infanta town.
Credit must go to President Duterte for the carefully planned yet frank diplomacy that he employed amid a tension over the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea with China. He warded off the pressure from some sectors to force China to respect the UNCLOS during that visit and remained focus on attaining bilateral economic accords. Still it was his casual albeit most pressing important message to the Chinese government that clinched a cordial understanding over the Filipino fishermen’s plight that needed no formal agreement, and without fanfare.
It is this distinct Asian approach to diplomacy that gets results that baffles western countries.
His middle name
ALL Presidents from Aguinaldo to P-Noy were pro-American. Quezon was the only exception if we take to heart his famous: “I’d rather see my country run like hell by Filipinos than see it run like heaven by Americans.” Tita Cory’s reign from 1986-1992 was rocked by at least 9 coups d’ tat. But if truth be told, they were masterminded by the Americans to merely mock Tita Cory, who had shown signs of veering away from America.
President Duterte is anti-American from Day One. When FVR finally protested, the President called him, “Pro-American.” But, of course. A West Point graduate, Tabako (1992-1998) is naturally the most rabid American lackey since Marcos (1965-1986). When FVR abandoned Marcos in 1986 to help spark the Marcos-ousting Edsa Revolt, FVR had only Uncle Sam’s approval. No surprise there as America had no more need of Marcos. After 21 years as America’s chief running dog, Marcos has outlived his usefulness.
Attaboy, DU30. Change, indeed, is your middle name.
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