I respect your passion and commitment to our national interests, but I feel compelled to point out why advocating for confrontation with Vietnam is misguided and, whether intended or not, serves to advance China’s interests by diverting attention from the actual threat we face.
While the Philippines rightfully raises concerns over Vietnam’s reclamation activities, it is critical to recognize that Vietnam has occupied its features for decades. The status quo is that they occupy those features without any aggressive actions. Since the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, Vietnam has not occupied any new features and has never disturbed our presence on our occupied features. This reflects a longstanding presence, not new expansionism.
In contrast, China’s occupation of Mischief Reef since 1995, a low-tide elevation just 130 nautical miles from Palawan, their illegal deployment of their maritime forces in Scarborough Shoal since 2012, and the persistent bullying of our PCG, BFAR vessels, and fishing boats represent the clearest and most dangerous violations of our sovereignty and sovereign rights.
If your patriotism is genuinely anchored in protecting our fishermen, service members, and our sovereignty and maritime rights, then our focus must be on China. It is China that has repeatedly bullied our people and endangered the AFP and PCG through aggressive actions—lasers, water cannons, and deliberate ramming.
As a retired brigadier general of the AFP—a distinction you continue to highlight on your Facebook profile with the insignia of your one-star rank—you are expected to be well-versed in the geopolitical realities at play and to uphold the Philippines’ firm stance against China’s belligerent actions. Yet, your arguments reveal a lack of grounding in international law and the imperatives of national sovereignty. It is also difficult to ignore that your recent rhetoric aligns with the surge of pro-China narratives directed at Vietnam. Is this truly your independent view, or are you lending your voice to a broader effort that serves Beijing’s interests?
Let us be clear: the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea is not dictated by Washington or any outside power. It is grounded in international law and affirmed by our own national legislation, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strongly emphasized.
