Makapili, collaborator, Red, traitor

The labels in today’s column heading are not mere “tags” or simple name calling. There was a time when people were hung, shot, beaten up, tortured or robbed of their life’s work and careers because of such labels.

Some were assassinated, “dinukot” or driven out from home and community. From being labeled as “communists” during the McCarthy era witch hunt in the US to being “ghosted” and treated like lepers.

With the benefit of hindsight, many have learned that not everyone tagged as “sympathizers” or “sleeping with the enemy” was guilty. Some were simply victims of circumstance, falsely accused by neighbors bearing generational grudges or motivated by money.

Nowadays, simply having an open mind, a progressive view, knowing better as an expert or pro-peace can harm you or hurt you, depending on the tolerance of people or powers on the other side of an issue.

You may find that hard to believe but even the Bible records how some people betrayed good people, slaughtered priests and sold out their own kin for position and gain. But all these are superficial compared to what may be happening in the Philippines.

The Philippines has to stand up to China like David versus Goliath regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute. The government has taken the matter to the UN, remained strong and determined against Chinese water cannons and harassment.

To the credit of the Philippine government, its persistence has begun to earn the respect of many countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, etc. The process has been slow, calculated but determined. One might even call the situation a fragile “stalemate.”

But in the past weeks a couple of Philippine officials have turned their “tongues” and tried to draw attention on fellow Filipinos using incendiary or inflammatory remarks, referring to them as “traitors.”

This is no longer something to ignore, considering the fragile political and economic state of the country. Given that Filipinos are clearly divided in politics, such behavior is very irresponsible from people who ultimately won’t have to pay the price or suffer the consequence of the fire they ignite.

What may sound and look like a “sound byte” to some can be received as a threat. For instance, when high ranking government officials make statements in formal events or in their capacity and position, “opinions” result in influence and suggest it is a government policy.

As they say, “it takes two to tango” and it is unfair to berate and attack the Chinese ambassador while ignoring the fact that the secretary of defense has also been punching not just the Chinese but even unnamed Filipinos as “traitors.”

During World War 2, the United States rolled out a reminder, particularly for the Navy, that goes: “loose lips sink ships.” The British made something similar, “careless talk costs lives.” The modern version from AI is “loose tweets sink fleets.”

Loose lips and cruel tags do cost lives, cause fear among the population, businesses and community. Such behavior also creates obstacles and division within our government.

While no one talks about it, there is serious friction and conflicted views between the Department of Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs over how to address Philippines-China relations.

While DND officials are casually throwing verbal bombs at China and perceived sympathizers, the DFA has been going through the frustrating “one step forward, two steps backwards” diplomacy with China.

Every time the DFA gets a step forward, one stinging commentary from the DND effectively disrupts or subtracts from diplomatic points quietly achieved by the DFA. This is not just a matter of miscommunication; the executive department is divided.

Such a division is the result of President Marcos Jr.’s unclear policy of engagement with China. I commend the President for being resolute regarding the territorial integrity of the Philippines, but does he have an actual game plan and a team to resolve the matter?

Bear in mind the lesson in the Bible that points out that “a house divided against itself will not stand” (Mark 3:25). The absence of a game plan or team leader not only causes division within the Cabinet but even worries members of the business community.

I don’t know what the word is on the grapevine but last week, a large group of federations and different chambers of commerce issued a joint statement of support for the Department of Foreign Affairs, particularly for its head DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.

Such joint statements are not released unless a popular official is being removed or because a situation has become untenable.

The joint statement praised the DFA’s “constructive engagement with Chinese government officials and sustained dialogue and cooperation between the Philippines and China:”

“We recognize the DFA’s pragmatic and statesmanlike approach in protecting the country’s national interests, particularly its economic development, trade and exports, tourism, overseas Filipino workers and other vital bilateral engagements with China, the Philippines’ largest trading partner.

“Amid global uncertainty and intensifying economic competition, our ASEAN neighbors are deepening their trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and tourism partnerships with China.

“The Philippines must likewise pursue mutually beneficial economic opportunities through constructive engagement, while firmly upholding its sovereignty and national interests.

“We therefore support the DFA’s pursuit of principled diplomacy and sustained dialogue over confrontation, recognizing that a balanced and constructive relationship with China is essential to advancing Philippine economic security, national interests, and sustainable development.”