Dealing with a problematic neighbor

Dear President Duterte,

God knows what China will do next.

Penetrate and sabotage our economy?

Own our inlands and territorial waters? Eat our gizzards?

Despite its “declaration” recognizing our sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea and its “promise” of desistance in transforming and militarizing our other territories, China is now doing the exact opposite.

Recently, it has installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three out of the seven Philippine-claimed reefs that form part of the disputed Spratly Islands.

It also continues to transform and militarize the Kagitingan, Calderon, Burgos, Mabini, Panganiban, Zamora, and McKennan reefs, which comprise our Kalayaan Group of Islands.

When will you come to your senses?

When will you stop entertaining and befriending China?

I know that being head of state is not an easy feat. But the Filipino people put you where you are not to make a mess, but to make sure that you are taking good care of them, their progenies, and the patrimony this young yet promising country has.

Please, do not let China suck the blood out of us until the very last drop.

REYNALDO PINYOL,
reynaldopinyol.60@gmail.com