The end of the Duterte-Robredo tandem is just around the corner. Today is also Philippine-China Friendship Day which was declared by the late Noynoy Aquino's nemesis, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. I couldn't help but wonder if the Philippines would still be around if Mar Roxas and Antonio Trillanes IV won the 2016 elections. Besides, one should think about the conflict between the Philippines and China over disputed areas. The only best way (back then) to deal with it was to do peaceful negotiations in the international court. Otherwise, charging head-on against the Chinese Military is just plain suicide.
One might wonder what Roxas and Trillanes would've done with China. Fortunately, we didn't have them in tandem during the current Russia-Ukraine conflict. Though, some might say that the Philippines may no longer exist because war with China would be inevitable. The changes are that President Roxas and Vice President Trillanes may end up launching an all-scale attack on China. That's why I even dare say that Trillanes may be the Philippines' own version of Vlad the Impaler Putin if he were president. Trillanes may end up launching naval ships to Malaysia to claim Sabah and to China to reclaim the Spratlys Islands.
I could imagine the first 100 days may involve a plan of war. Knowing how Trillanes handled Oakwood was such that it'd make a great comedy film. It was a very unplanned attack when it was Trillanes' band of Magdaldal soldiers vs. the Philippine government. Just think if Trillanes were commissioned by Roxas to lead an assault against China. Chances are that Gary Alejano would be in charge of national defense and the Magdaldal soldiers will get posts. Instead of trying to negotiate - I think Trillanes may end up launching a DIRECT ASSAULT on China's military. Worse, maybe Roxas may have declared WAR on China over disputed territories. Even worse, tactless behavior from the two of them may end up causing other ASEAN countries to join forces with China instead of helping the Philippines.
The size of the Chinese military is NO JOKE. Why do you think Noynoy chose the negotiation approach? Why do you think Duterte refuses to launch a direct attack on China? Doing so would mean China could send an entire army and DECIMATE THE PHILIPPINES. The war would barely last a day. Why do you think Taiwan is rather very careful in dealing with China? Taiwan knows it can't easily stand a chance against direct invasion. Vietnam is also very careful with that. It takes careful planning to defeat China - NOT DIRECT COMBAT. The battle may not even last a day.
Either way, I'm glad that Roxas and Trillanes didn't win last 2016. Maybe, it's also good that outgoing Vice President Leni Loud Robredo didn't win the presidency either. Though, I'm still skeptical if Bobong Marcos as president can handle the situation. Though, it could've been worse if Roxas and Trillanes both handled relations with China.
You know, just because we do not allow China to oppress us does not mean we are going to war with them.
ReplyDeleteIt is best we find a shade of grey in the middle of black and white.