In addition to filing routine diplomatic protest, I fully support the ongoing recommendation of retired Supreme Court justice Francis H. Jardeleza for President Marcos to file a new follow-up arbitration case against China on its large-scale reclamation of parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). If we fail to do this, then, surely China will continue its very aggressive encroachment stance into our territorial jurisdiction and the continuing harassment of our Filipino fishermen in the WPS.
On a similar note, I fully agree with lawyer Ancheta K. Tan’s prodding to show crucial widespread support for Mr. Marcos’ foreign policy. As stated by Tan in his Letter to the Editor (5/1/24), “[President Marcos] has embarked on a courageous but logical and pragmatic shift from the servile stance of his predecessor to a multilateral partnership with other nations to enhance, not only our own, but regional peace and stability.” Among others, if we do not show our support to this move, Tan opines: “[L]est we will be caught off guard, and wake up one day with our neighbor entering our door without firing a shot.”
Definitely, the filing of a new arbitration case will entail costs but I suppose it is more than worth it considering the very high stakes and concomitant risks of losing our sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction and becoming a pitiful vassal of China.
Therefore, let us “put our money where our mouth is.”
Our nationalistic and patriotic posture in this regard is hereby exhorted.
Emiliano M. Manahan Jr.,
advocate and author,
onan512004@yahoo.com