Much to lose, little to gain from abstaining

Thank you for your editorial regarding Jerusalem (“Trump’s Jerusalem stunt,” 12/26/17).

I am a frequent visitor to the Philippines. I care much about its international relations and national interests. Like you, I was hoping to see the Philippines stand up like the majority of the people of the world and refuse US President Donald Trump’s bullying and Israel’s disregard for international laws.

There’s much to lose and little to gain from abstaining. On a purely human level, I couldn’t help but think of the more than two million Filipino workers living and working in the Arab world who are already doing very difficult and sometimes dangerous work.

I would bet that they are against this abstention and overt ass-kissing by their government. Life is already hard for them. They don’t need to be put in uncomfortable situations trying to explain their government’s policies.

I am sure they wish their own government would think about any negative backlash they might face when conducting its international affairs.

But more importantly, I was hoping that the Philippines would show the world that it is no longer a ball to be kicked around by the mighty, be it the United States or China or anyone else for that matter.

If we want others to respect our rights and stand with us when we need them to, we need to show that we, too, will stand for the rights of others and show respect for international laws no matter what “our friends” think.

That’s how we earn a respectable place among the nations of the world.

MOUSSA AOUN,

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