Do not cross oceans for someone who wouldn’t cross a puddle for you.
That is a statement I never once thought would become a phrase that would be more of how the system runs in ruins—watching Filipinos who refuse to fuel the masses with anger hold the power over our entire nation. With that being said, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is first in line as he watches the West Philippine Sea—the waves, the sea that slowly loses its dignity from simple words that drain the ocean itself.
How can you call yourself a Filipino when you refuse to love your nation and battle another for the sake of its protection? Marcoleta claimed that “there is nothing as West Philippine Sea, that is a creation by us.” Word by word with a straight face, as if WPS was simply delusions of the people of the country. It is embarrassing that, as a part of the system of governance, he had the guts to speak with the lack of nationalism.
However, this is complete false information as the National Mapping and Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA) included the WPS in official maps as illustrated in its digital eMapa, and to inform the society, an information campaign was released. It also states that WPS is carried in Republic Act No. 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, signed in November 2024.
It is disgraceful to understand how the mind of the people of power work—how such mindsets control the nation—our homeland. And we cannot simply sit and watch the ocean drain to the size of a puddle.
Although Marcoleta's statement may come out wrong for many, it may be possible that he only spoke of these words to avoid conflict with China, having intentions to not start a war with a country that holds a power that our country cannot measure to.
But let me be clear, good intentions or not, our nation does not deserve this kind of disrespect. It begins from this point, and if we continue to watch in silence, not only WPS, but our entire homeland will fall. Open your eyes because I do believe in to see is to believe. And right now, Marcoleta is nothing but an enslaved dog that is filled with delusions and nonsense.
We’re not dogs who're well trained and taught not to bark; we are Filipinos—strong, capable, and tough—taught to be the pillar and not the reason for the fall of our nation.
Written by Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH
Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
