Even the country’s defense chief issued a statement implying that we don’t stand any chance against China.
There may be some truth to it in terms of our current military capabilities, but let us not forget to take a look at our valiant past.
Simply giving in to another country’s baseless demand without any sign of hesitation will be a big insult to those who offered their very lives for the sake of our freedom.
This is not to say that our lives should be put on the line, without having any practical means to defend ourselves.
We must not forget that there are plenty of alternatives we can take advantage of without resorting to conventional war.
Filipinos are well-known for their audacity and resilience, be it from man-made problems or natural calamities.
Our national heroes, despite the enormous lack of weaponry needed to defend our country on equal footing with their adversaries, were courageous enough to fight with whatever was left for them to utilize — because that is what their sense of patriotism urged them to do.
If there are things that China cannot match, these are our courage and nationalism. They may have greater powers, but unlike them, we have the delicadeza not to claim what is not rightfully ours.
Though we have been awarded the landmark UN tribunal ruling on the South China Sea, we remain amiable and decent enough not to retaliate against China’s tasteless bullying.
That, together with a thorough strategy, will suffice for us to win this war.
KARA MARTINA PACUMIO, pkaramartina@gmail.com