Gov’t on right track; focus on diplomacy, peace for now

The Philippines does not want war but peace, and it will always say no to conflict. The majority of Filipinos support the President’s policy of diplomacy with regards to issues that affect national interest, including our ongoing rift with China.

The government should not tire of China’s rejection, snubs and continued bullying.  China is emboldened because it can afford to act boldly, like building an island city, an airstrip, a school and whatever comes to its mind.  And with these developments in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, no doubt, China’s reiteration of its claim is for real, even dangerous.  Who knows, we might just wake up one day to find the province of Palawan surrounded by Chinese structures already?  Diplomacy is all right but we should continue to be firm, stern and determined to justify our claim to some of the islands.  If China is emboldened by its claim, let’s show the same.  But right now, we agree that diplomacy might work.

—PACO ESTRADA, Bukidnon