‘Unfriendly:’ A weak language to a foreign aggressor

As we marked Independence Day last Friday, we were greeted with two news stories that remind us how a foreign aggressor and invader continues to undermine our country, which is, at least on paper, independent and free.

The first is the government’s report on the discovery of illegal Chinese structures in Panatag Shoal and the second is China’s travel ban on Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and his family. Both stem from our peaceful yet firm defense of the West Philippine Sea against China’s continuing militarization, expansionism and acts of violence in the region.

Not satisfied with illegally occupying Panatag Shoal after reneging on an earlier understanding for both sides to step back from the area to defuse the 2012 standoff, Beijing is now observed to be building illegal structures within the shoal itself. We have seen this before. A “temporary” structure here, another installation there, followed by reclamation and expansion and eventually a permanent presence, until we are forced into accepting illegality as reality.

Beyond being patently illegal under international law, these structures pose a clear security threat to our nation, given their proximity to Luzon, particularly the National Capital Region (NCR), the country’s seat of power. They also serve as an added layer of intimidation against our fishers who depend on the area for their livelihood. In effect, we may be witnessing a replay of what happened in Panganiban Reef in the 1990s, seized by China and later transformed into a major artificial island with military facilities, a runway and a harbor.

On the diplomatic front, China justified its travel ban on Teodoro, along with his family, by citing his repeated critical statements on Beijing’s illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea, which it claims undermined its “legitimate interests” and “sabotaged China-Philippines relations.” In doing so, the defense secretary now joins the ranks of the brave local officials from the Municipality of Kalayaan who were also barred from entering China in retaliation for declaring the troll Chinese ambassador in our country persona non grata.

I congratulate the defense secretary for getting under Beijing’s skin. The travel ban only shows that Gibo is effective against China, and that it has no clear answer to him except to bar him from entering its territories. As such, the ban looks less like punishment and more like validation. He should wear it like a badge of honor. I am sure the ban would not profoundly disrupt his travel plans and family vacations.

That said, the disappointment lies with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). In response to the ban, it described China’s action as merely “unfriendly.”

Really, DFA? Of all the words available in the diplomatic dictionary, that was the one you settled on?

The Philippines’ defense secretary is barred from entering the territory of a foreign power that continues to harass Filipino fishers and frontliners while undermining Philippine sovereignty, and the official response is that the ban was “unfriendly?”

Sure, China’s travel ban is laughable, but the DFA’s lame response was equally ridiculous. One wonders whether this is a foreign affairs department or a homeowners’ association settling a dispute over misplaced garbage bins. By describing the move as merely “unfriendly,” the DFA’s statement sounded less like a diplomatic protest and more like someone mildly annoyed that a neighbor forgot to wave good morning.

At the very least, the Philippines could have signaled parity by announcing reciprocal measures, such as issuing a travel ban to Gibo’s Chinese counterpart. Like Gibo, it is unlikely that such a move would significantly disrupt the travel plans of China’s defense minister. But reciprocity signals resolve. And in moments like these, clear signals matter. “Unfriendly” does not cut it.

In the same breath, West Philippine Sea advocates, such as Atin Ito, are calling on the government to put forward a plan that goes beyond diplomatic protests and clearly outlines how illegal Chinese structures, particularly the recently discovered floating structures in Panatag Shoal, will be removed. Such a plan must contain concrete measures, realistic timelines and coordinated actions among relevant agencies to ensure the swift removal of illegal structures and prevent new ones from taking root in our waters.

Of course, amid all this, not a peep can be heard from the ranks of the Tsinadors.

Nothing from twice-impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, who marked Independence Day by saying absolutely nothing on China’s encroachment. No Facebook live either from the Senate’s top “online seller,” Alan Peter Cayetano, a former foreign affairs secretary, who once proclaimed the Duterte years the golden age of Philippine foreign policy. Apparently so, if licking China’s ass is considered an achievement.

Sen. Robin Padilla, who eagerly projects himself as a freedom-loving Filipino, was also silent. He failed to find the words, or even the inclination, to defend Filipino fishers and frontliners facing Chinese harassment. The actor-turned-politician can’t even act as a tokenistic patriot. And yes, nothing from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who sounded more like an enthusiastic spokesperson for the Chinese embassy.

This year’s celebration of Independence Day revealed the full spectrum of our national struggle for sovereignty: the patriots, such as our brave fishers, frontliners and various leaders who continue to defend our rights; the foreign aggressor that seeks to divide and rule us; the mealy-mouthed with their non-statement statements and the Tsinadors and their unparalleled treachery.

As active citizens, our responsibility is to stand with those who defend national interests, demand accountability from those who do not, condemn the traitors and remain vigilant against attempts to weaken us as a nation. Independence Day is not simply a holiday. It is a day that calls us back to work, reminding us of our daily labor of defending our freedom and sovereignty.