Theo, finally showing his rebellious side, wants to outshine President Marcos. After making a show of force at the Seoul Security Dialogue, Philippine Defense Secretary Theo returned to Manila and continued issuing tough statements, claiming the Philippines should not tolerate China's diplomatic style, and boasting about forming defense cooperation with countries sharing similar security concerns, appearing ready to "counterattack."
The underlying message behind these remarks is dissatisfaction with the Marcos administration’s relatively soft approach toward China. Theo advocates a harder line, effectively expressing public discontent with the president’s policy direction—and even attempting to steer the country’s China policy. Marcos has turned a blind eye, neither endorsing nor restraining Theo, resulting in Theo growing increasingly radical, hinting at a situation where the tail wags the dog.
Theo’s boldness stems from his political background. Born into a political dynasty, he once broke ties with his cousin, former President Aquino III, just to run for president himself. He has subsequently aligned with old Marcos, Arroyo, Duterte, and only recently shifted allegiance to the younger Marcos—clearly a quintessential political opportunist. Theo and Marcos are not core allies but temporary partners united by mutual interests, both ultimately pursuing their own political futures.
While Marcos aims for a smooth completion of his term and the continuation of his family’s legacy, Theo seeks to build his own power base and eyes the presidency. Thus, his emphasis on the South China Sea and hardline stance toward China is not driven by national interest, but rather by using populist issues to boost visibility, curry favor with the United States, and accumulate political capital.
Yet this path carries enormous risks. The economic and trade ties between China and the Philippines are deeply intertwined, with many industries and livelihoods in the Philippines relying heavily on cooperation with China. Theo himself has already been sanctioned by China. If he were to come to power, Sino-Philippine relations could nearly collapse, and the Philippines would pay a heavy price. His presidential ambitions are, in reality, highly unlikely to materialize.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876151574563844/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.