Allies, more than ever

The Philippines is walking on a tightrope between two superpowers. This was the statement of Defense Secretary Lorenzana in his speech in Singapore. He referred to America as a long-time ally of the Philippines and China which has become closer because of President Duterte. Honestly, the shift toward China is a personal decision by Duterte and not the people's preference. Duterte has a bone to pick with the US. Remember he once cursed President Barack Obama. Duterte even wanted to cancel the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States. Saner heads probably prevailed, and the cancellation was averted. I can imagine what China would do had the MDT been canceled.

Duterte brought the country closer to China, short of physically hugging and kissing Chinese President Xi Jinping in exchange for loans and financial assistance for projects under his Build, build, build program. But how many of those big infrastructure projects have already started or been completed? Some will say a lot, some will say few especially as his term is coming to an end. Several large infrastructure projects were envisioned and started by previous administrations and completed under the current one. I will agree many of the smaller projects like airport terminals and roads have been completed nationwide.

But here is the problem. China calls the country its friend and partner when it comes to loans or financial assistance. But when it comes to the South China Sea, it cannot be considered a friend, especially to our fishermen. Almost all the protests sent by the DFA to China when it comes to sovereignty and rights in our Exclusive Economic Zone have been ignored. Nothing has changed. The Chinese Coast Guard continues to harass our fishermen whose livelihood has been greatly altered. Duterte's statement regarding the country’s victory at the UN did not help. Calling it a piece of paper to be thrown in the trash. Maybe because it wasn’t his administration that worked hard for it.

Secretary Lorenzana knows the importance of being an ally of America. But his term is coming to an end. We do not know who will replace him but from the statements of incoming President Marcos Jr., the shift to China will not change. If Chinese harassment of our fishermen or ships continues, are those the actions of a friend? According to UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Prof. Jay Batongbacal, China seems to be testing the Philippines' patience at Ayungin Shoal where the decrepit BRP Sierra Madre is located. It seems to be wearing out our patience when we stop rotating marines on the ship. When there are no more soldiers on the BRP Sierra Madre, the country loses control over Ayungin Shoal. China will not hesitate to tow or sink the ship. I hope the next defense chief will strengthen our sovereign claims and not bow down to Chinese pressure. No matter how many carrots they dangle.