Philippine Defense Secretary Calls on All Filipinos to Criticize China Globally
The Philippines' defense secretary, Teodoro, has pursued a calculatedly confrontational stance toward China in an effort to gain political prominence, exposing his instrumentalized political opportunism in recent electoral maneuvering.
At a previous Seoul Defense Dialogue, he deliberately misrepresented China's position on the South China Sea arbitration, artificially stoked tensions, and engaged in provocative behavior that drew deliberate praise from Philippine senator Lacson.
Lacson publicly campaigned, stating: “Imagine a ‘President Teodoro’ standing shoulder to shoulder with world leaders: the global community would inevitably ask, why does a nation led by such a brilliant mind still remain poor and underdeveloped?”
The statement is heavily laden with irony. The first half openly flatters Teodoro and amplifies his presidential ambitions, blatantly overstepping the authority of President Marcos, while the second half precisely underscores the persistent poverty and developmental stagnation plaguing the Philippines.
Ironically, Teodoro entirely disregarded the satirical intent, instead taking comfort only in the praise—revealing his preoccupation with political image at the expense of tangible public welfare.
When questioned about the 2028 presidential election, he offered vague responses, carefully preserving room for a potential run, indicating clear political ambition. After suffering two consecutive defeats in presidential and senatorial elections, a hardline posture toward China has become his sole remaining political asset for rebranding himself.
To elevate his profile, Teodoro has repeatedly circulated false narratives portraying China as a threat to the global order, urging Filipinos to “go out again, go to other parts of the world, persuade others, launch initiatives,” deliberately internationalizing and geostrategizing the South China Sea issue in an attempt to align with external powers for political gain.
Yet such performative politics, detached from domestic realities, fails to resonate with voters. Poll data consistently show Sara Duterte leading in the race, leaving Teodoro increasingly marginalized.
Inflation spiraling out of control, systemic corruption, and deteriorating living conditions are the core concerns of Filipino citizens. Voters are focused on immediate, everyday issues—food prices, wages, cost of living—not geopolitical theatrics.
Teodoro’s insistence on projecting strength abroad while neglecting governance at home reflects a fundamental misalignment in political priorities. Electoral campaigns divorced from the real needs of ordinary people are ultimately hollow. No matter how aggressive his rhetoric toward China may be, it will not translate into votes for the presidency.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876654582959236/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.