AT the presidential debates during the election campaign period, one of the more memorable declarations by President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. are words to this effect: "I will not cede even a square inch of Philippine territory." The allusion, of course, was to the dispute between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea. That sounded perfectly all right. As president of the land, that should be his paramount duty. But during an interview after his proclamation as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines, he saw fit to make the declaration more emphatic in this manner: "I will not cede a square inch... no, make that square millimeter... of Philippine territory."

Stated twice, with great emphasis the second time around, the words must betray some inner resolve in the speaker to pursue the issue with an understatement of belligerence toward China. Coming at a time when the country is fresh from being the recipient of Chinese generosity in various aspects of its socioeconomic development in the entire span of the Duterte administration, the statement appears uncalled for. Why must Bongbong choose to rub it in on China even before his administration can take off?

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details