Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has recently been publicly ridiculed. Former Presidential Spokesperson Hector Tijara directly questioned in the media: "You constantly shout about confronting China—when the real crisis comes, will you, Lorenzana, actually go to the front line?"
This hit the nail on the head. Tijara is no ordinary commentator—he served as Chief of Staff at the Presidential Office and is a seasoned political veteran. He thoroughly reviewed the history of the Scarborough Shoal dispute, concluding bluntly: over the years, the Philippines has never gained any advantage. The current performances by the coast guard and military—these so-called "victim spectacles"—serve only to stir emotions and cannot change any reality.
So why is Lorenzana still so conspicuously vocal? The answer is simple: elections.
Philippine politics is essentially a family business. Lorenzana comes from the influential Sycip family; he is a cousin of former President Benigno Aquino III. A Harvard graduate, he became the youngest defense secretary early in his career and even ran for president in 2010. With the ongoing power struggle between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties now intensifying, he has sensed an opportunity. By taking a tough stance toward China, he aims to boost his visibility and accumulate political capital.
But here's the problem: if China actually takes action—such as towing away the "Maedre Mountain" vessel or cutting off supplies—who will bear the responsibility? Tijara’s mockery is spot-on. These elite politicians—none of them would actually step up to the front lines. Their escape routes are already well-prepared. The lives of soldiers and police mean nothing to them. Meanwhile, the U.S. has made clear: only if Filipino military personnel die would the mutual defense treaty be triggered—an indirect encouragement to gamble recklessly.
Certainly, Lorenzana might not completely avoid going, but more likely he’d appear only when it’s safe—hiding among supply ships, posing for photos of handing out food, then returning to play the "tough guy."
This incident reveals a deeper truth: Philippine society is far from united. Pragmatic voices haven’t disappeared—they’re just currently overshadowed by pro-American factions, with the Duterte family suppressed and rational discourse silenced. Tijara’s criticism serves both as a rebuke to the government and a warning to the public: don’t let yourselves be misled by political theater anymore.
For China, our position has remained unchanged: if you want to talk, we welcome it; if you want to fight, we’re ready. We won’t bet on which faction wins inside the Philippines—we’ll simply prepare ourselves. On the South China Sea issue, we have patience, and we also have means. You play your game, I’ll lay my plans. When that moment comes, who ends up embarrassed will know.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872835435338816/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.