Declaring Sovereignty 122 years After Our Independence

Today we celebrate 122 years of Filipino independence. However, this Independence Day is like none other, because this year it occurs amidst a pandemic. Yet, while we grapple with the devastating effects of the coronavirus, our sovereignty and independence are under attack as China continues its aggressive expansion in the West Philippine Sea.

It seems that China has taken advantage of the pandemic to advance its regional security agenda, escalating confrontations with the Philippines, Japan and Malaysia, and even sinking a Vietnamese fishing vessel. We may also recall how, almost exactly one year ago, a Chinese trawler also rammed the F/B Gem-Ver, a Philippine fishing boat anchored in the Reed Bank. Thankfully, the 22 Filipino fishermen on board were rescued by a passing Vietnamese fishing vessel.

Yet, despite the clamor from an overwhelming majority of Filipinos for the government to assert its sovereignty against China, the Duterte administration continues to ignore Filipino voices and refuses to respond to the demands of its citizens for a government that will fight for its independence.

This is why we welcome President Duterte’s order to suspend the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement. This move signals that the administration is finally responding to the clamor of its people and that it is open to collaborating with like-minded democratic nations. It is this sort of partnership that the Philippines needs to address the   challenges it currently faces, not only in terms of security, but also when it comes to containing and mitigating the effects of the virus from Wuhan.

Today marks our 122nd year of independence from a foreign colonizer and oppressor. It is the hope of Democracy Watch Philippines that on this day we remind ourselves not to let history repeat itself.