By Farah G. Decano

 

INSOFAR as foreign policy regarding the West Philippine Sea is concerned, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seems to be on the right track.  Unlike his immediate predecessor, the younger Marcos courageously identified the aggressive Chinese conduct in that area as troubling and the culprit of the undying tension.  He did not turn his head the other way and call his countrymen foolish for crying foul against the red the country.  He did not drumbeat the weaknesses of our military and naval forces.

The present administration is also getting more creative in this fight for our country’s sovereign rights over the disputed sea. Last September, the Department of Justice publicly toyed with the idea of filing another case against China for the alleged massive destruction caused to the coral reefs found within the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.  Unless President BBM himself makes the pronouncement, everything is just part of the diplomatic psywar.

Does bringing a country to an international court effective in dissuading it from doing something that is perceived as undesirable?

We did that with China in 2013.  We won against it in 2016.  But, the Asian giant seems unfazed by the ruling.  It continues to lay claim on our exclusive economic zone.  It continues to harass our fishermen and those on a supply mission.  The other countries, however, are happy with the Philippines’ victory because they can continue to enjoy their navigational rights without any apprehension.

Will another court action change China’s attitude towards the Philippines’ sovereign rights?  It is predicted by some international relations experts that, unlike in the 2013 case, this power country will this time battle it out against the Philippines.  The litigation would be protracted and bitter and would most likely cost millions and millions of dollars for the Philippines to see through.

Our country spent around six million US dollars in legal fees that lasted only for three years. With a foreseen prolonged court battle, the Philippines should be prepared with at least twenty to 30 million US dollars.  Will this amount be enough to bring out the desired change in treatment we want from China?

China has a particular culture of saving face called “mianzi.”  They self-regulate in order to avoid humiliation.  Perhaps, a second international court action filed by the Philippines would not yet trigger “mianzi.”  But, a second victory against the Asian giant would.  This why, most likely, China will exert every effort to win any second international case filed against them by our country.  Its second defeat will be too much to bear for many generations.

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Many municipalities have upped their ante insofar as Christmas celebrations are concerned. Bayambang, Tayug, and Calasiao remain topnotch places to go to by word of mouth.  It is sad that Dagupan City which used to be the leader of glitters and exciting activities in the province is starting late.

With the budget already passed as of September 2023 and knowing how swift, Mayor Belen works, Dagupan City’s exciting programs and projects should have already taken shape by November, 2023.  I know that Christmas celebrations cannot be charged against the budget but at least some street lights, such as the ones on the De Venecia Extension bridge, should have already been fixed. 

Rather, what is on a roll nowadays are the same key department heads travelling abroad with the Mayor.  Where are these heads’ love for the city?  Christmas is approaching and Dagupenos deserve a good one.  They should be paying attention to this. Where is self-restraint?  Why do these same department heads prioritize international good time than fixing a good Christmas for the city para hindi naman kulelat ang siyudad natin?    

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