FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

ippines have been handled with tact and finesse by our people at the DFA.

Meaning, instead of the DND taking up the cudgels because this incident involved foreign relations, the DFA should singularly be the government agency that should handle - and manage - the issue.

The Palace has opined that it does not want this incident to get blown out of pro;portion that should provoke unwarranted exchange of words which may derail whatever PBBM and Chinese President Xi Jin Ping have discussed during the former’s state visit to PROC last January.

Some lawmakers I heard do not seem to favor a soft response to these “wayward” treatments since hundreds of “note verbales” or diplomatic protests were ignored by China.

Even the periodic summoning of the Chinese ambassador did not look swell because the Chinese seem to have

Tensions

the habit of making promises just to assuage our government.

Sen. JV Ejercito has suggested that the government enter into an alliance with nations of the so-called “QUAD”India, Australia, Japan and the US - if the Philippines desires a respectful complementary treatment.

I wonder just for how long can the Philippines withstand the “bullying” right here in her own territory?

We are a peace-loving nation and Filipinos are ever enduring and patient because they know nobody wins in a war.

Besides, compared to the Chinese who possess nuclear power, super fighter jets, submarines, battleships and millions of soldiers who, at a snap of a finger, will rush to invade, the AFP is still ill equipped, both in men and materials. Make the long story short - we cannot afford to go to war.

In plain language, “di natin kaya.”

The EDCA seems to remind us that we are stuck with the US.

The pivot to China during the past administration has created only a ripple effect as the independent foreign policy crafted during that period is now lost in transit.

The new Marcos regime seems to be playing its cards closer to the chest but it cannot be denied that the Americans are making better inroads today.

The military drills and exercises under the Visiting Forces Agreement and EDCA and the four new sites agreed upon by the two governments allowing the US to preposition equipment, materials and human resources lead me to believe that Malacanang is holding an ace up its sleeve.

At least, in the EDCA context as earlier voiced by US Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin, Pinoys are assured that there is “help” on standby should an “accident” arise in the West Philippine Sea.

THe Chinese bullying MUST stop. This is the message that has been transmitted over and over again to the Chinese ambassador but to no avail.

Either they have a language barrier or they are testing our patience.

There is always a tipping point somewhere.

Until when?

Our bountiful maritime resources contribute a lot in our search for food security which enables our countrymen to stand resilient even as global economic trends show that inflation and recession are slowly creeping into our Third World economy.

Sometimes, I am forced to assume that Pinoys are much too friendly and hospitable that they allow themselves to be abused, be bruised and beaten before their patience runs out.

Ala FPJ in the movies, huh? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!