I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.
— English-born American founding father Thomas Paine
A NEW international report has placed the Philippines at the heart of a growing global concern—China’s rising ambition to dominate key regions across the world—but in this score, our country’s firm stand in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has taken on greater meaning by promoting regional stability.
According to civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, the report makes one thing clear: The Philippines is not just defending a claim but is helping defend the principle that bigger and stronger nations cannot simply overrun the rights of smaller countries like the Philippines. Goitia, who is chairman emeritus of the democratic groups Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, stressed this point as noted that our maritime position “(is) guided by law, clarity and the dignity of the Filipino people—never by fear.”
In a statement following the latest report, it was explained that because China is pushing well beyond its borders, the Philippines’ firm stand regarding its sovereignty and territorial rights has become actually a stabilizing presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
This Goitia described as a ship’s rudder that guides the region towards peace and security: “When we insist on the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and refuse to ‘adjust’ our claims just to appease Beijing, we help maintain balance in the region.”
In addition, he asserted that our country’s reliance on international law guides its actions—not power nor intimidation—so our rights in the West Philippine Sea are recognized by a global ruling that China cannot simply wish away.
“We assert (our) rights calmly and consistently because that is how responsible nations behave. Strength is not always loud. Sometimes it is found in a country that knows what is right and stays the course,” he pointed out.
And “whether we like it or not,” he cited, “geography placed the Philippines in a vital position (because) the waters being contested are not just fishing grounds or routes for cargo ships (but) are part of a wider strategic puzzle that affects peace and trade across continents.” Because of this, the world watches how we move: “We didn’t ask to be on the frontline but we also cannot simply walk away or ignore China’s aggression and to consistently defend our seas is to honor every Filipino who fought for our independence.”
In ending, Goitia reminded that “when facts are clear, staying consistent is a form of courage that builds respect” and therefore, “supporting the Philippines is not about choosing sides (but) about choosing a world where rules still matter.”
“For now, China may continue to push its claims, but (we) continue to stand with law, legitimacy and quiet determination and in doing so, we protect not only our waters but the stability of the region. “We safeguard our seas today so that future Filipinos inherit a country that never surrendered what was rightfully theirs. The tides may shift, but the Filipino spirit holds the line,” the civic leader concluded.
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