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| Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III |
The Sabah incident couldn't have happened at a better time. Smack dab in the middle of an election campaign, the Sulu Sultanate decided to address their claim of the Northern Borneo territory with the belief that discussions can be achieved. Unfortunately, against a stubborn foe, force of arms is necessary. Thus, we have a dilemma, a paradox in international diplomatic affairs that should test the nation's resolve through our leaders.
I join the millions of Filipinos here and abroad who are upset with President Benigno Aquino III over his arrogant stance on the disputed territory and his threathening reaction viewed on national television against the Sultan of Sulu and Sabah whose loyal followers are in Malaysia staking their claims on what they believe was theirs in the first place.
I am upset that other than President Ferdinand Marcos, no president have ever addressed our claims in Sabah and now that the Sultan himself took matters onto his own hands, the leadership of this poor country has the nerve to demonisize these people's noble and heroic efforts, politicizing the situation rather than taking real measures that will protect not just these patriots but also our national pride and dignity on international matters.Our President should have addressed the situation directly with the Malaysians and the U.N. instead of lambasting our compatriots.
The fact is Sabah was forgotten. It resurfaced amidst Chinese bullying over the Spratlys and the Kalayaan Islands. Despite letters from the sultanate that, according to our great president, was not received, this administration continued to arrogantly undermine popular opinion on the matter and turned a blind eye on the situation altogether. It is sad that in our puny efforts to drive the Chinese away from our disputed territories, we kissed Malaysian behind to gain favor. And for what? So that more Filipinos can illegally migrate to Malaysia to be abused in squalor. Why are we so eager to please them when they became massively richer in part because of us in the first place.
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| Douche? |
I resent all of this. I really do. And I am disappointed with this administration. I realized that as a Filipino, I am easily expendable in international matters. Afterall, if a group of Filipinos with a valid plea is being threatened by this government, than what of me then? That I, a simple person, does not have my government's backing; that my government is not willing to encourage me, support me, and defend me, from both our nation's enemys and allies. I resent that I am, by law, virtually an isolated island in a nation that is home to millions who are like me, an island, much like this God-forsaken island country.
I will not talk on details about what's going on in Sabah, nor the background behind it. there are too many news and scholarly articles on the subject on the internet. All I can say is that I am ridiculously annoyed and unamused of this situation. To think that the administration's senatorial candidates speak of the "matuwid na daan" or the straight path to governance when obviously, this administration flubbed its one chance of greatness by being a stubborn and arrogant kitten in a game of lions and bears. Matuwid na daan? Let that road be all yours Mr. President, by all means. If that straight path is mired by hypocrisy then we don't need it. This country has seen bullshit far too many times already and that path is a lonely route to doom.
We as Filipinos now have no claims over the disputed land. I wish the Sultanate actually succeeds in their struggle, that they manage, by some miracle, drive away the Malaysians, and claim Sabah as an independent nation under their Sultanate. I wish them well. They'll be better off on their own than with us.
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.
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