Ric Maulion .
I STUMBLED on the word “lawfare” that was given this definition in a Wikipedia entry: “Law as weapon of war. Any form of asymmetrical warfare, consisting of legal system against an enemy… by damaging or delegitimizing them, tying up their time or winning a public relations victory.”
That’s explainable. This should have been the mantra of President Duterte vis-à-vis his contentious stand on West Philippine Sea issue.
This man from Davao should stop being China’s spokesman and defender of its interests over the disputed territory, and act like a true Filipino who should be asserting his rights and sovereignty. I am a coordinator of a Mindanao-based coalition of different sectors against China’s bullying and aggression in the WPS, and I find how the government handles the problem unbelievable.
How can this man mess up the issue when international tribunal at The Hague has already ruled in favor of the Philippines. The Tribunal recognizing our legitimate rights over disputed territories against China on July 4, 2016.
Years past, when China arrogated an island occupied by Vietnam and converted it into a garrison, Asian countries that have territorial claims didn’t forgive that China’s aggression. The incident simply snowballed among Asian countries like Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan and, yes, the Philippines. There was one resounding united stand: “No to China’s aggression.”
And when it came to our claim, the international tribunal ruled in our favor. We are the legitimate owner. The irony is, the President was soft on China and did nothing to reclaim our territory. He started singing to a tune.
We cannot go to war against China, and it’s going to be costly, he said. And so, the position is to just let China arm itself in Philippine territory and allow it to explore and exploit our natural resources there. As for us, we will just wait for our share.
It is not difficult to see that he has been reduced into a governor of China and a loyal puppy out to please his newfound master. In exchange, he’ll secure loans from China at our expense. We will be strangulated as a result of his “Build, Build, Build” debt trap.
Where are the honorable and brave souls in the two houses of Congress? Why are there no brave souls in our legislature? Don’t they see this treacherous and impeachable offense?
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