Philippines never learned from history despite the many available books online and in the school libraries. Netizens and the common folks love to hear stories propagated through social media which are considered fake news, gossips, or black propaganda. What happened? Majority of the new generation of Filipinos called, 'the millennials' are lazy enough to seek out for the truth and that they're content to be spoon fed of the information temporarily circulating around. This is in contrast with the generations of the past who despite quoted as 'low tech' were able to weigh things reasonably and pragmatically. For information to be considered reliable and credible it should undergo a validity test. Testing its validity would mean that the information available has been examined and approved by lots of experts, historians, and professionals. Otherwise, information that is not validated will just be a hearsay, concocted, gossip, fabricated, invented, fake news, or black propaganda which could tantamount to a moral defamation or libel in legal jargon. The danger of this is that it may create a more serious complication which will result in social disunity/disintegration, or possible extreme fanaticism. The more crucial is when people become fanatics especially to a political, popular, or particular figure. Fanatics just rely on 'one voice' that dictates their actions and beliefs. As a consequence, they may not be able to listen to others, become close-minded, counter-productive, and just reliant to their idolized figure.
The situation in the West Philippine Sea seems very critical at this moment in time. Although, superficially we have befriended a 'bully' neighbor through the efforts of the current administration, the risk is still there that perhaps one miscalculated move may end-up what was thought to be alright. It could either be a result of a skirmishes between our forces and theirs; or their forces and our ally(ies), in which we will be forced to take sides or to act as an interim arbiter. While the 'conduct of the sea' is still not in print and no stakeholders would love to materialize it, a seemingly high level of danger is still in place. Although, rumors are heard that the Defense Secretary is taking steps to refresh the antiquated Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), it seems that certain provisions of the MDT must be clarified, updated, and be enacted to a new treaty to strengthen our mutual ties. However, the move has a quandary to the former stance of PRRD which is to enforce an 'Independent Foreign Policy' or IFP. If 'IFP' prevails as a principle and as a policy, it will definitely kill and sever the longstanding treaty. Unfortunately, no matter what the Philippines chooses, it will still become vulnerable to both sides. It's like having caught in a crossfire.
What should we do? The uncertainty of our situation is at stake and the Philippines should think of its interest first. Words, promises, and treatises can sometimes be disregarded by any party. The country could not bank and rely on them. Sometimes, the saying is true that promises are made to be broken. What our country needs is preparation in the event that our national security is at stake. We need to prepare should the need arises especially when it needs to defend our sovereignty and our people. Otherwise, if caught unprepared massive heap of dead bodies would surely piled up. The Philippines will again suffer because of its stupidity for not trying to learn history. Take the history of Italy, it allied with the Nazi Germany, yet, it was invaded by the latter. And there are many cases of the same in history, you only have to google it. We can think that this may not be a concern for politicians and the rich for they can easily send their families abroad. On the contrary, this is a big concern for the 'common tao', as they will become the collateral damage during the war. Thus, it is high time for the Filipino people to change our mindset, the Philippines needs to invest in defense capability. Costly might be but I know we can afford it. It is high time that the current administration take steps to strengthen the AFP, we need to invest in Surface-to-Air Missiles or SAM and Iron Dome (Patriot Missiles). This should be a priority while the situation is within everyone's control. This is also practical while we await for any international reinforcements or negotiations if war erupts. Every Filipino must be willing to sacrifice to cut the national budget just for this purpose. We have to act now or else, it will be too late for us.
What do you think?
The situation in the West Philippine Sea seems very critical at this moment in time. Although, superficially we have befriended a 'bully' neighbor through the efforts of the current administration, the risk is still there that perhaps one miscalculated move may end-up what was thought to be alright. It could either be a result of a skirmishes between our forces and theirs; or their forces and our ally(ies), in which we will be forced to take sides or to act as an interim arbiter. While the 'conduct of the sea' is still not in print and no stakeholders would love to materialize it, a seemingly high level of danger is still in place. Although, rumors are heard that the Defense Secretary is taking steps to refresh the antiquated Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), it seems that certain provisions of the MDT must be clarified, updated, and be enacted to a new treaty to strengthen our mutual ties. However, the move has a quandary to the former stance of PRRD which is to enforce an 'Independent Foreign Policy' or IFP. If 'IFP' prevails as a principle and as a policy, it will definitely kill and sever the longstanding treaty. Unfortunately, no matter what the Philippines chooses, it will still become vulnerable to both sides. It's like having caught in a crossfire.
What should we do? The uncertainty of our situation is at stake and the Philippines should think of its interest first. Words, promises, and treatises can sometimes be disregarded by any party. The country could not bank and rely on them. Sometimes, the saying is true that promises are made to be broken. What our country needs is preparation in the event that our national security is at stake. We need to prepare should the need arises especially when it needs to defend our sovereignty and our people. Otherwise, if caught unprepared massive heap of dead bodies would surely piled up. The Philippines will again suffer because of its stupidity for not trying to learn history. Take the history of Italy, it allied with the Nazi Germany, yet, it was invaded by the latter. And there are many cases of the same in history, you only have to google it. We can think that this may not be a concern for politicians and the rich for they can easily send their families abroad. On the contrary, this is a big concern for the 'common tao', as they will become the collateral damage during the war. Thus, it is high time for the Filipino people to change our mindset, the Philippines needs to invest in defense capability. Costly might be but I know we can afford it. It is high time that the current administration take steps to strengthen the AFP, we need to invest in Surface-to-Air Missiles or SAM and Iron Dome (Patriot Missiles). This should be a priority while the situation is within everyone's control. This is also practical while we await for any international reinforcements or negotiations if war erupts. Every Filipino must be willing to sacrifice to cut the national budget just for this purpose. We have to act now or else, it will be too late for us.
What do you think?