The Ball Is In Your Side Of The Court, Mr. Duterte

The United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has spoken; in a strong and resounding voice! Among other things, the five sitting judges ruled that the Nine Dash Line of China is nothing but a fantastic claim comparable to that of Diagon Alley; and several other tall tales we read to our children. It was also a thunderous recognition of the Republic of the Philippines' entitlement to several kilometers of water and islands on the West Philippine Sea. The world has hailed the landmark decision as a victory for freedom and the rule of law.

As expected, China has announced that it does not accept the ruling, and went as far as calling it illegal. With that, the best we can expect from Beijing would be sustained activities in the disputed sea. They have vowed to proceed with the same policies covering the issue that are already in place. In other words, change won't be coming. Their statement has been the strongest to be issued by any government on the subject; including that of the Philippines. While the international community ponders on what to do next, the communist squatters are clear on their intentions. They intend to carry-on with their illegal occupation of the West Philippine Sea!

Why So Sad, Pekto?

Perfecto Yasay is all smiles.

While millions of Filipinos were celebrating, a forlorn-looking Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay read a carefully worded statement a few minutes after the court issued the decision. The demeanor displayed by Yasay was a complete contrast to a photograph of his meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua on 7 July 2016. Watching his body-language during the short press briefing, one would think he was on the losing side. The reaction from the department head was well within my expectations. Recent pronouncements by the secretary to Agence France Presse betrayed his predispositions on the matter. A mindset not welcome to the majority of Filipinos. From the statement, it was crystal that the present government officials composed of the "best and brightest" are clueless on what to do with the award that fell squarely on their laps. Did they really believe the PCA would rule in favor of a party that didn't participate in the process, and even mocked the court? Can anyone be that stupid? Who knows. The level of stupidity these days is quite overwhelming.

Now What?

By all means, let Malacanan's "best and brightest" experts study the text carefully before an official statement is issued. The sensitivity and importance of the circumstance calls for it. But please, every single Filipino expects nothing less than the protection of the interests of the country. President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to do so during the campaign. It is high-time he proves to the 62% who didn't vote for him that he can walk the talk. Otherwise, he will be exposed as a cowardly charlatan this early in his six-year term.