Name: Thomas Arthur M.

Tolentino
Course & Section: PSC31
Subject: Political Economy
Professor: Sir Jumel G. Estrañero
University: De La Salle University - Dasmariñas

The Philippine Dynamic with Its Two Closest Superpowers Throughout the
Past Decade

A point during Benigno Aquino Jr’s incumbency marked the country’s most tense
association with China. Even without the then-administration’s Vice President’s
explanation for this assertion, it was clear for the Filipinos, at the very least, to
understand religiously. After all, it was then that the country called foul play against
the eastern giant and rendered it vulnerable to criticisms and distrust in front of the
Hague (and its powerful constituents). One could even argue that it was during this
time that the country felt it was being protected from clear dangers, while having
maintained an obedient relationship with US–perhaps furthering our chances at
protection.

But came the previous administration from today’s, the relationships seemed to have
upended. With a strongman like Duterte challenging the long-established (at least
from a Filipino perspective) authority of US, Philippines slowly welcomed its shores
again for China. The ridiculous POGO operations were even uncontested for a short
while. This and other forms of our convergence with China seemed to have been
caused by our divergence with US. Disagreement from the US’s insistence on a
criminality and Duterte’s denial of the ICC with respect to Duterte’s EJK cases may
have been a major source of this shift.

Presently, we are faced with an obstacle that asks what we will do with two of the
biggest elephants in our room. According to a Manila Times report on PBBM’s recent
state visit to China there are, to our dismay, no notable articulations of the
formalities. Perhaps within this inactivity the Philippine should focus on maintaining a
firm boundary of our rights with China while respecting their enormosity. One method
to perform a concept could be realized by converting the scoped shores into tourist
spots, thus providing a foundation for legal and judicial enforcement in the area. On
the other hand, the tender status with USA can perhaps be mended if the ICC
investigation on PRRD is given warrant, which is highly unlikely but may also be
highly effective. Ultimately, what we can observe from the past decade is that our
national protectionism seems to bend where the administration points its ally and
drifts from where it points its foes.
References:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/834553/arroyo-ph-china-relatio
ns-went-all-time-low-during-aquino-admin/story/.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/01/06/opinion/columns/what-happened-in-beijing/1
873015.

https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/holding-the-anchor-the-philippines-sovereig
nty-remains-afloat-despite-foreign-presence.