"More than a commemoration- a call for action"

"More than a commemoration- a call for action"

by Kat Ulrike

At first, this note pays tribute to the founder of the Katipunan and the Great Plebeian, Andres Bonifacio, whose life, labours, and legacy continues to serve as an inspiration for countless generations.

This may deemed strange given his foolishness as his detractors described him, but, his passion for liberating his country what more of his support for the folk outweighs his mistakes as a leader of a revolution. And to think that in this commemoration, done amidst this ever-present pandemic and the tragedies brought by calamities, shows that the Filipino people tries to fight back and live no matter how it felt the suffering be it those calamities or the negligence brought by the order that supposed to serve especially after those times of turmoil. It is the same Filipino who, burdened by billion-peso debts, is also sick and tired of corrupt bureaucrats, of despotic officials, who represses the folk with new "policies", "laws", and "incidents" all in the name of interests as in the time of Bonifacio and the Filipino during his period.

And up to this day, the folk continues to be challenged as it continues his unfinished struggle for national and social emancipation. For contrary to the order's petty statements, the reality that the very order has benefited from its corruption and injustices, words like "change" coming from their mouths has becoming a joke, a mockery against those who are really desired. But despite these, the folk cannot just remain silent for those actions the order (through its figureheads) has brought to them- that's way too contrary to their statements mostly appeals for "unity".
And in speaking of those statements and appeals for "unity" for sure as in the past that these figures would again reiterate Bonifacio, as any other hero's act as worthy of an example the way Duterte saying that Bonifacio should be an inspiration to all Filipinos especially in this pandemic. Indeed but, since these leaders talked about these heroes while at the same time oppresses its people in the name of order, then is this the society as envisioned by Bonifacio, Rizal, and others who sacrificed their mind and sinew to that "altar of freedom"? Not surprised that there are those who rather find "real" the message of Robredo that courage shouldn't be brut strength but also with compassion- especially in this time of disquiet and rage, of people wanting good leaders than those of thugs in suits.

Pardon for the thought for as reality is way too far from the statements of today's leaders like Duterte. Whether he exhort the Filipino to "love the country and fight for it" or to "push for a strong and progressive Philippines", the ordinary folk rather sees the contrary that those who love and fight for their country are the ones deprived while the corrupted claims that they do love their country when it is actually out of their convenience. For sure since 2016 he promised change that some find him as a radical alternative to a "yellow" problem; but, did that change he promised really happen: especially with a cabal of those trying to maintain their interests? For sure Duterte would claim he's fighting oligarchs, but did it really end their reign? Nope- actually he benefited from their very existence no matter how he promised to curb their power nor his followers desiring to end their reign.
And although "true" that he put an end to Wongchuking's Mighty Corporation or forced Lucio Tan to pay taxes, this doesn't translate to justice. Did he sided with the farmworkers of Lapanday when these people demand justice? Nope-he chose to side with the Lorenzos. Did he sided with the urban poor dwellers of Sitio San Roque when the Ayalas came to occupy their land? Nope even- making his 2016 promise of "no demolition without relocation" a farce. He did preach about promise of human rights the way he values "human lives" over their "rights", but the fact that harassments, killings, and threats became widespread in the name of order, then, he as the representative of that dreaded order created rebels who are willing to go beyond legality no matter he tries to restrain them. These rebels are as same as Bonifacio in the past: driven by passion, aside from their love of country and their families as their reason to fight and sacrifice.

Perhaps to cut this note short, that in this occasion, celebrated in this time of pandemic and a myriad of threats from the order, that the folk should not stop seeking truth from facts and to fight back against slander and oppression. Call it a "call for action" as one may say, for like Bonifacio, it becomes a duty to become aware, what more to resist and assert for immediate relief, necessary changes, a desire for social and economic justice that the order failed to offer as such despite promises. 

"Remembering Frederick Engels in his 200th year"

 "Remembering Frederick Engels in his 200th year"

by Kat Ulrike

At first, this note is in one with the working people in marking the 200 birth anniversary of the writer Frederick Engels. Known as a writer, historian, fighter, at quite some time a businessman and as a lifelong friend and colleague in struggle of Karl Marx, Engels made immense contributions to the development of Marxism as an ideology of the working class. From this would say that the working folk treasure the contributions what Engels bequeathed to them. 

Born from a well-to-do family, Frederick Engels was just 22 when he was sent by his father to England to help run the family firm. His father hoped that this would draw him away from radical ideas he engaged during his college days, but, from that same Manchester England where he worked, that young man rather saw instead the suffering, and the power of a growing proletariat whom he rather supported their struggle. 

Marking Engels' birth anniversary in this present day cannot be more significant and relevant as the global capitalist order faces an ever continuing and unprecedented crisis. Despite numerous achievements ever bragged under capitalism, this doesn't hide the fact that intolerable conditions and untold sufferings on the labouring folk continues to rise: with low wages, bad working conditions, joblessness, cuts on social service spending, indebtedness, and various measures especially under neoliberal capitalism just like what Engels and Marx faced. 

From these somehow that along with Marx, Engels devoted in formulating, developing Marxism through their collection of works (be it Das Kapital, the Communist Manifesto, or some essays and correspondences related to the emancipation of the working class) that served as a reference for the working class in their struggle for radical social change since the 19th century. Hence, The proletariat owes Engels and Marx the standpoint and system of thought which point them to the path towards their emancipation. That, for the first time in history, it was shown that liberation from all forms of oppression comes not as a result of mere idealism, but rather as a conscious historical act of class struggle by the proletariat.
Tracing from history, they revealed how capitalism, as any other order prior to it, gave birth to the class who will not only dismantle the old social order, but will establish a society that will end the history of classes and class exploitation.
And although prior to Marx and Engels there were men and organisations who tried to look for radical solutions to a centuries-old repression, the observations and works of these two colleagues-in-struggle consolidated it that in 1848, they were commissioned by the German Communist League to elucidate on the main principles of scientific socialism and communism. It was from that same year when they wrote the "Manifesto of the Communist Party" which shook the ramparts of the capitalist order. Since then, the Communist Manifesto would serve as the general declaration of principles of all communist parties with the exhortation “The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win.” and "Workers of the World, Unite!" that has inspired generations of revolutionaries.

Again, as this note marks the 200th birth anniversary of Frederick Engels, the labouring masses should draw inspiration from his dedication to the struggle for their emancipation. No matter how critics would try to put down their contributions, more are ever determined to study in order to firmly grasp the view that Marx, Engels, and other revolutionaries brought, to be dedicated in their commitment to the workers and oppressed classes, and to lead with determination in various struggles, marching along the path towards emancipation.

“Is it to Defend the land or to Destroy the people?”

“Is it to Defend the land 

or to Destroy the people?”

(Or: "Thoughts after the recent acquisiton of weapons
And how the order treats modernisation whether to defend the nation
or to upheld the order")

By Kat Ulrike

It is not surprising that the administration has turned "westwards" after the recent "donation" of 8 Million Dollars worth of guided bombs and missiles needed for counterinsurgency purposes.

For the fact that the administration has been looking "eastward" for acquiring weapons for its modernisation of the armed forces, the administration's perchance for strongmen like US President Donald Trump has mellowed its anti-American angst. What more that it benefited more from that recent "donation" of those US-made arms.

Earlier, the administration has signed an agreement for the purchase of the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missile, again as part of its modernisation plan. That missile has been brought amidst rising tensions with China over the disputed isles in the West Philippine Sea. Another agreement, this time with France, involves supplying the country with Submarines with the Defence secretary highlighted French submarines as being among the appropriate choices for the Philippines as it considers the capability. The French shipbuilder Naval Group plans to open an office in Manila in early 2021 as it seeks to advance its serious interest in supplying the Philippine Navy’s first ever submarines.

However, back to the topic, it seems that for the order it doesn't matter about defending its territory but instead to defend its interests in the name of "counterterrorism". With the recent witchhunts and redtaggings would say that the order as planning to unleash its wave of attack that embolden the order's attack dogs in their dirty war of suppression. And not surprising if countries that promised support for improving Philippines' defence is itself supporting the order's action against the people. 

And with US Support, the order has conducted relentless aerial bombing and artillery shelling campaigns, a repeat of the total destruction of Marawi in an attempt to destroy the rebels- despite the fact that aerial bombardment against moving guerrilla targets violate the international principle of proportionality and always potentially bring losses to civilian lives and property. Of course, that "rebel" isn't the CIA-supported Abu Sayyaf or the Maute group!

On second thought would say that those weapons are yes, modern indeed to be used in defending the country against external invasion, that the BrahMos and the Scorpene Submarines, or even the guided bombs and drones as necessary weapons for defending the country against the invader. But with the reality that the regime will use those weapons to "flatten the hills", this meant otherwise: destroying communities, homes, and sources of livelihood; bringing nothing but fear and suffering as these folks rather forced to be displaced by the order. 

Perhaps, this kind of "donation" as all but one of the moves for Trump as a gesture of support for his vassal Duterte. Especially with Biden's likely coming as US President may meant his Democrats willing to persecute Duterte out being an international pariah in terms of human rights.

"Still Unresolved"

 "Still Unresolved"

(Or: "When Justice still continues to haunt the Ampatuans
even inside their cells")

At first, this note is ought to say that the events brought by the Ampatuans was itself an act of savagery. Driven by their desire to remain in power, this local tyrant has killed a total of 58 people, including 32 journalists, simply because of "supporting" a political rival. 

It is unsurprising those times, especially that with politicians trying to maintain in power it involves impunity, this massacre was the worst incident of electoral violence in recent Philippine history and remains the single deadliest attack on journalists globally.

However for the administration and its apologists, the case has been resolved given "the concrete efforts of the government in bringing to justice the suspects" if not saying that "Philippine justice system is fair and effective" especially after the guilty verdict on the Ampatuan brothers and companions.

But from these statements, the question is, despite 28 principal suspects and 15 others as accessories to these murders, how come all verdicts have been appealed and 80 other suspects still remain at large? Is the order's declaration simply a means to "shut up" those who are concerned regarding this case? Not surprising especially from an order that fails to promote justice in this time of extrajudicial acts, if not justifies a culture of fear in order to promote a draconian order based on maintaining their interests. What more the thought of shrugging the decision from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation to maintain the classification of that case as 'unresolved'.

Perhaps the call for justice continues to remain as the calls for ensuring the welfare of workers and the right for information; that everyone concerned rather not to forget that kind of catastrophe brought about by these local tyrants and the order that coddles them. 

"Fighting back for a Volksgemeinschaft"

"Fighting back for a Volksgemeinschaft"

At first, this note is ought to say that this writer bid greetings on the anniversary of the October Revolution. This occasion, which marks the rise of a society ran and led by the working class, was and is a nightmare for the established orders that even until today continues to resonate in every corner of the world.

Quite strange to some at first, especially that the Soviet Union was already gone decades ago; but to those who survive and remember would say that despite its shortcomings that revolution carried out by the working people many years ago initiated a new epoch in world history- no matter how those against slander or even dare to invade especially during the second world war. The Soviet Union that's been detested because of "Marxism Leninism" was the same Soviet Union that brought the world's first atomic power station, made the world's first batch of passenger jet planes and intercontinental ballistic rockets, and launched the world's first and second man-made earth satellites and a space station. It was also the same Soviet Union that preserved, rather than destroyed the palaces in Kremlin and the Churches of the tsarist past, the Bolshoi Ballet, the study of Pushkin's works, alongside the encouragement of Proletarian Culture and creative ideas all meant to forge a society for the working class. 

However, this note isn't about commemorating that part of history but rather to rekindle that spirit behind that history especially in this time of "fighting" and "taking back the future." For in a way Gustav Mahler told that 'Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire', the revolutionary tradition brought by that October Revolution meant learning and understanding lessons that brought out of struggle not just to emancipate the working class and oppressed peoples but to pursue a development that's brought by social justice. That even those from the other side recognise how "fast" that development brought despite the issues of prison camps. The "speed" of development has created wonders in various forms, that altogether creates an outlook of the future those against has trying to deny. 

***

That until today people would wonder about that alternative. Of course, both liberals and conservatives would dare to disagree a radical alternative to that capitalist status quo. One would claim about the frailties of man and the "beauty of nature" that cannot be altered. The question is, as humanity recognises its frailty, why not correct it? Nature is indeed beautiful, but why humanity under this capitalist order chose to exploit than to cherish it? But it is not surprising that from these orderists, be it the liberal or the conservative, has created radicals who chose to oppose them all because of the former two's defence of capitalism and instead demanding an alternative that today's liberals and conservatives cannot offer.

For with the agreements and organisations aligned with the maintaining of the neoliberal capitalist system, the intention of using the national economy as a gigantic profit-extraction operation including those of the transformation of the nation's agriculture and industry into a "colossal workshop" for international capital, has been a issue-especially in making the people into a labour force that can be easily disposed after their contracts expired, and its resources to be extracted but not for the people themselves.

In light of this development would say that their agenda brought about by these people meant betraying the nation and its yearning for development. Of course they would claim about development, but at what expense? Social justice? This reminds of one commentator that "working hard is enough and a few crumbs will fall down", another would claim that "wages are low but food is cheap", but how come despite seeing people working hard or even smart all for a pittance that same capitalism continues to create disparity and scarcity? For sure economists who tend to defend that economic system downplay about that statement-especially in a time when people are tired of that capitalist failure to do justice to the vital state and social interests of the people- that such realities has showed how capitalist perversion of "freedom" and "initiative" has decieved, betrayed the folk. Yes, that capitalism babbled by liberals and conservatives promised jobs, food, development for the future come as shown by their statements and achievements as shown in various outlets- but reality has shown otherwise with no security of tenures, pittance-level wages, rising cost of living, interest-seekers prevailing, of what is development and the future if it is not for the labouring folk? 

This writer would say that both conservatism and liberalism indeed speak much of reform and innovation, of growth and retention as shown by Gladstone, Disraeli, or Hamilton; but by seeing the same two strands at the present together defending capitalism as promoting "development" according to Reagan, Thatcher, or even Tony Blair and Donald Trump, shows that both views, while seeing the flaws of the capitalist order chose to shrug in it- but instead talking about their distorted view on "freedom" while the people, tired by their market-centric views demand a new volksgemeinschaft.
And that volksgemeinschaft can be dismissed as "utopian" because it is "radical" especially when the folk sought to replace the compradore and the landlord, the corrupt bureaucrat and the lobbyist. At times both present-day liberals and conservatives would toy their thoughts by claiming they're against "oligarchs" but they can't replace outright the system for they benefited from it-instead talking about "expanding the pie" by letting outsiders to join in the fray of exploitation and calling it as "development"- the way they speak about production was replaced by "international finance capital" both liberals and conservatives also once detested. They would claim that they are for the country, but at the same time they preach about "smaller government" and "free trade". 

Not also surprising that the economy according to theirs is a separate matter that only "experts" should deal with it- and that "experts" obviously, think about the market than the country and profit than the people. It is the same "experts" who, wished to replace the polis with the markets; of reducing democracy into a façade wherein people retaining their right to vote while decision making rests at the cabal of interest-seekers and exploiters. Wouldn't be surprised that they're also thinking that economics has its own world: almost separate from national affairs other than those of paying taxes and providing jobs. That the stock market is their homeland, the dollar is their religion, profit is their faith, the banks as their republic. 

***

For sure there are those who disagree with that blunt statement knowing they all benefited from neoliberal capitalism. They would claim that "civic" or "cultural" nationalism as enough, that paying taxes and waving the flag is itself a "duty", if not downplay nationalism altogether as irrelevant and thing of the past; then if so, then how about capitalism? It is the same capitalism that diminishes love for kith and kin, of destroying heritage, of dismissing the future in favour of a warped "human factor" or a distorted version of "freedom" that justifies exploitation. It is unsurprising, especially when both present-day liberals and conservatives can't attack the very economic order supposed to be dismantled as such as in the past when they once detested. 

And to think that both present-day conservatives and liberals tell tales about the frailties of humanity and the beauty of nature, responsibility and freedom, of social justice and noble duty, reality becomes otherwise- as these two sides of the coin dismissed their statements altogether in favour on one word: compromise, compromise with the prevailing social order no matter how evil it is. For sure nothing is wrong about compromise, but up to when? They would claim that there are some "changes" out of that compromise, but how come people remain dissatisfied? For sure they would say "there is no alternative" because these people are satisfied about today's order of things, that "globalised capitalism, so called free markets and free trade were the best ways to build wealth, distribute services and grow a society's economy. Deregulation's good, if not God." what more that some dare to accelerate further towards technological singularity reminiscent of Jack London using Ayn Rand for a gateway drug. 

For now expect they're detesting that populist interlude despite the fact that they themselves as once populists who trying to put a folkish veneer on the existing order. Be it Trump, Biden, Duterte, or Robredo, Just like they talk about "freedom", "responsibility", "human factor", and other words enough to appease people, they would blame the oligarchs but not capitalism, they would blame the despotic landlords but not feudalism, they would criticise the first world leaders but not imperialism, but since reality goes like replacing the halls with markets and the desire for knowledge with crass materialism, what kind of future reality has talked about? Of course that ain't the volksgemeinschaft the masses desired of! Otherwise, that "volksgemeinschaft" if to be hijacked by the orderists rather destroys people and nation, culture and morals, violating the deepest levels of a community's being! 

***

Regardless of denials and downplays, the events of 1917 and its succeeding actions around the world continue to resonate as the people demands a new volksgemeinschaft. 

That as in the past, people will still demand for peace, land, bread, and justice as the prevailing order continues to exploit two and fro for the latter's interest. True that the world hath seen developments in various forms, thriving as one may say; but this doesn't escape the fact that the order remains as it was- and this time trying to reverse people's achievement in pursuit of an untrammeled capitalism as in the 19th century. But that attempts for reversal is responded by countless protests that shows how the vast mass of people strongly disagrees with the order’s attempt to reverse in pursuit of their interests- no matter how its apologists trying to appease their anger as such. It is unsurprising especially that when these orderists, by assuming both as "liberals" and "conservatives" trying to maintain their interests by claiming to be for "freedom", "conservation", "reform", enough to appease the growing people's tremor for these same words aside from “justice”. 

"When disasters and calls for help again includes lambasting incompetents"

"When disasters and calls for help
again includes lambasting incompetents"

Thoughts after the protests against Duterte's neglect and indifference
over the recent calamities

The recent actions brought by the students has triggered the order and its apologists. 

Brought by the administration's display of utter disinterest, indifference to the plight of Filipinos affected by the recent typhoons that shook Luzon and other parts of the country over the past five weeks, the people witnessed firsthand how the government failed to show concern to the people while claiming that the people as resilient in that time of crisis. 

Bluntly speaking, Duterte and his officials were practically non-existent while the folks faced the storm and floods. These folks did struggled on their own, even calling for help as no one in the government except those who seriously concerned as the vice president dare to take action. The severe impact of devastation brought by the storms and floods also meant slow growth for affected sectors especially agriculture; what more it was aggravated by the government’s inaction to coordinate its agencies and local government units, put in place preemptive measures, release much needed funds, mobilise men and equipment all for swift rescue/recovery efforts and assistance.
But to see Duterte himself complaining about Robredo acting on her behalf as Vice President, or blaming the victims for supposedly not heeding warnings showeth his indifference to the plight of these people affected by the recent storms. But this doesn't escape the fact that the regime has different priorities in terms of attention and funding such as those of counterinsurgency and corruption-ridden infrastructure projects, while its disaster agencies are incapable of extending even the barest necessary assistance to those especially calling for immediate aid in affected areas especially in the provinces swept by the typhoons and even Marikina city. 

***

Regarding the recent call for a "student strike" brought by Ateneo de Manila and supported by other schools like the University of the Philippines, it is expected that those who defend the order downplay the youth as naïve or "manipulated by subversive elements" because of their opposition to the regime especially after the latter's serious neglect in responding to health, economic, and even disasters. If being aware of realities and demanding an alternative is itself an act of subversion, then why not? Even democracy itself was once chided as subversion and chaos by those who favour a regimented social order. Wouldn't be surprised that those who detested these actions calling for accountability and justice also have that kind of disdain for human rights and rule of law. That for theirs supporting the president "right or wrong" as their priority no matter how snail-paced and barely sufficient that goddamn government aid people seriously needed.
Wouldn’t be surprised if they talk about the need for discipline with all their nostalgic memories, but how about the need for competent people willing to take the risk and brave the storms? For sure those who once voted for Duterte expressed dismay for seeing him way too far from his depiction as an “action man” who promised to defend his country’s sovereignty and to ensure the needs of the people. 

***

But regardless of these fanatics assailing on the recent concerns and protests, the reality that the regime's uselessness and negligence is what pushes the folk, be it the youth or the old, to stand up and get out of their workplaces, all regardless of the risks to voice out their angst against that incompetent leader.

With the past week’s following of strong typhoons saw the action of various groups and its relief operations, these also showeth how from these concerned individuals and groups truly value the nation by any means; but despite those actions of "giving and sharing" this doesn't mean giving up altogether their calls for immediate support from the government much more to expose and oppose those who serves as stumbling blocks to their need for immediate assistance as well as those of social justice. Apologists of the order may tend to deny that truth the way how they describe Duterte's actions as statesmanlike (despite doing an ocular visit while lambasting Robredo as "competing") After all, those concerned organisations behind the operations as well as calamity victims are trying to ensure that aid really goes to those really need rather than self-centred officials from defrauding them of what is theirs if not  treating as political gimmicks.

"New faces, new phrases, but same order"

"New faces, new phrases, but same order"

(Thoughts on the victory of Joe Biden as President of the United States
and its implications in the Philippines)

The victory of the Biden-Harris duo in the United States doesn't equate to freedom from imperialism the way it doesn't end neoliberalism and other systemic conditions that brought Donald Trump to fame. But instead, it gave a new appearance enough to appease the people. 

How come this note said so? During the Trump administration, that despite Duterte's feigning anti-Americanism, it didn't stop the United States from supporting the agenda brought by Duterte what more of the mutual admiration between these two rulers as shown by Trump's visit in Manila. But, as Biden won the presidency, it is expecting for Duterte and his camarilla to change the tune despite its initial support for Trump during that recent election- and for sure he and his ilk will "try their best" to appease the Democrat-led administration knowing the latter's perchance for human rights Duterte himself detests.
But in speaking of human rights, Biden himself, like Obama and other presidents who sworn to upheld the ruling international order, eyes a tougher regional presence as opposed to Trump's transactional, "America first" foreign policy. However, it was the same Trump who gradually embrace globalism. Biden, also served as committee chair in 2002, backed GOP's George W. Bush's war against Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on the basis of "weapons of mass destruction". 

But does these change the situation? Nope. As said before, the military industrial complex, sensationalised media, banks, the stock market, and others who defend that goddamn order benefited from it. Neoliberalism remains the prevailing view even in this populist interlude. It is unsurprising, especially that underneath the veneer of calls for unity and democracy is the order where capital is king at the expense of labour.
And as for the Philippines, the United States still look to the islands as its military outpost in Southeast Asia as in the past, if not a strategic foothold to counter China. Duterte may speak two and fro about junking the VFA, EDCA, and other military agreements with the United States- but these are rather dismissed as bluffs no matter his supporters expressed it as a show of patriotism, what more that those in the government beg not to pursue out of maintaining their Yankee-centric interests. 

As said earlier, it is the duty of the people to seek truth from facts, and to expose what is unjust.

"Pinning hopes on Trump or Biden doesn’t change the problem”

"Pinning hopes on Trump or Biden 

doesn’t change the problem”

(Or: “short thoughts on the 2020 US Presidential Elections 

and how will affect the Philippines”)

Frankly speaking, that regardless of who wins the presidency of the United States, that its very ruling order stays "as it is" towards its vassals like the Philippines. Duterte may have lean towards China, but does it scrapped the agreements like MDT, EDCA, and VFA? Remember, despite Duterte's show distrust towards the United States, political and military support from that country continues still as the second-hand helicopters handed over to the Philippine Air Force. 

And to think that both Duterte and Trump expressed mutual admiration, then the former's show of distrust against the United States was plain simple "personal expression" limited to angst such as towards the past Obama administration who criticised his action. But, if Biden wins the presidency, there lies a possible shift on how US will engage Duterte- and that includes opposing Duterte's Human Rights violations (especially from those who signed the Magnitsky act), while at the same time seeing agreements like the VFA continues to be discussed and possibly respected by both countries- in which critics strongly oppose. 

Again, regardless of who wins the presidency, the order in the United States doesn't change. There may be cosmetic and  symbolical "changes" perhaps, or even compromises enough to appease both the people and the order; but to think that the only ones winning are the banks and financial institutions, tech companies and the industrial trusts, the media, and globalists alike altogether defending capitalism, then it is not surprising to call it either as continuity or normalcy. 

All in all, regardless of who leads the presidency, that the vassal-like relationship between the Philippines and the United States remain "as-it-is": having its unequal treaties intact as in the past, agreements benefiting the order- at the expense of the people and its desire for independence. Duterte may claim that the Philippines continues to pursue its "independent foreign policy" according to his supporters, but the question is: how can a country who can't even pursue self reliance really defend its sovereignty? As far as a concerned person knows that those who pursue an independent foreign policy are the ones who are serious in self-reliance and uphelding its sovereignty so strongly and with dignity.

Perhaps, it is really the duty of the Filipino to assert its independence: that neither from Washington nor Beijing, Wall Street nor Shanghai Bund, would ever dicate Juan and Maria's lives.