Philippines Discussion Thread

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

Well, he hasnt done anything he wasn't saying or hinting at since the campaign.

That people still act shocked to what he does, especially that we're in month 3 of his admin already, means that:

- they weren't listening to him (never mind his critics)
- they're in denial (especially those who voted)
- they're stupid (par for the course really)
- all of the above

Oh well, the "people" voted for him. The only ones who really need to worry are the powerless and weak anyway.

I founded fishy that Duterte made peace with the MILF who is a communist terrorist group so easy and wants peace with them.

I think he was telling us and we weren't really listening. Maybe.

Wrong group, the MILF stands for Moro ISLAMIC Liberation Front, which we've had a treaty with since Aquino, what you're probably refering to is the NPA which essentially represents all the communist groups in the Phils.

Anyway, on a more... frustrating note...

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

I was neutral towards him before, in the hopes that he would also insult the Chinese communist party, however, it would seem that my worst fears have been realised... He's pro-China.

Not necessarily, but rather pro second world. I would rather on the side of people who pillage, exploit, conquer and are glorified. Long live the enlightened Western civilization that began in Greece and now resides in the west. (Bite me)

Despite that fact, at-least they redeem themselves somewhat by aiding other countries in times of strife, I mean we all remember how much China helped us after Yolanda right? (Sarcasm since China barely helped us at all, #neverforgetChinesegovernmentalgreed)

[Victoriala II]

I was neutral towards him before, in the hopes that he would also insult the Chinese communist party, however, it would seem that my worst fears have been realised... He's pro-China.

Not necessarily, but rather pro second world. I would rather on the side of people who pillage, exploit, conquer and are glorified. Long live the enlightened Western civilization that began in Greece and now resides in the west. (Bite me)

Stop sounding so edgy in 4 in the morning

[Kubra]

I was neutral towards him before, in the hopes that he would also insult the Chinese communist party, however, it would seem that my worst fears have been realised... He's pro-China.

Not necessarily, but rather pro second world. I would rather on the side of people who pillage, exploit, conquer and are glorified. Long live the enlightened Western civilization that began in Greece and now resides in the west. (Bite me)

Lol what are you on about
The idea that Western culture isn't down with pillaging, exploitation, and conquest is super new, and it's an idea that died violently.

[Victoriala II]

you could switch roderick paulate with duterte and no one will even notice

[Zhouran]

Optimum objectivity in politics is impossible since politics itself is pandering in nature. It seeks to please its immediate constituents rather than everyone. Lest we want a super computer to make decisions for us.

So basically you're implying that humans must fervently hold zealous thoughts and ignore the viewpoint of others, thereby stopping the need to politically solve animosity?

That type of mentality is why ethics in politics is being ignored.

you could switch roderick paulate with duterte and no one will even notice

>actor
>comedian
>politician

Only in the Philippines where showmanship plays an integral role in politics.

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

Optimum objectivity in politics is impossible since politics itself is pandering in nature. It seeks to please its immediate constituents rather than everyone. Lest we want a super computer to make decisions for us.

So basically you're implying that humans must fervently hold zealous thoughts and ignore the viewpoint of others, thereby stopping the need to politically solve animosity?

That type of mentality is why ethics in politics is being ignored.

you could switch roderick paulate with duterte and no one will even notice

>actor
>comedian
>politician

Only in the Philippines where showmanship plays an integral role in politics.

Ronald Reagan was a thing you know.

[Nusaresa]

So basically you're implying that humans must fervently hold zealous thoughts and ignore the viewpoint of others, thereby stopping the need to politically solve animosity?

That type of mentality is why ethics in politics is being ignored.

>actor
>comedian
>politician

Only in the Philippines where showmanship plays an integral role in politics.

Ronald Reagan was a thing you know.

And if we use the current events, Donald Trump (reality TV Shows pls go)

[Victoriala II]

Ronald Reagan was a thing you know.

And if we use the current events, Donald Trump (reality TV Shows pls go)

oh wow I sure do wonder where that came from

[Hastiaka]

I founded fishy that Duterte made peace with the MILF who is a communist terrorist group so easy and wants peace with them.

I think he was telling us and we weren't really listening. Maybe.

Wrong group, the MILF stands for Moro ISLAMIC Liberation Front, which we've had a treaty with since Aquino, what you're probably refering to is the NPA which essentially represents all the communist groups in the Phils.

Anyway, on a more... frustrating note...

I may not 100% agree with our president, but he has a point. Plus, being too close to any of the two superpowers is too dangerous. If we stay too close to the United States, we're pissing off the PRC (maybe they'll point their/more nukes at us) and if we stay too close to the PRC- the US might support a (Trillianes?) pro-American coup against the legal and constitutional government of the Philippines.

[Victoriala II]

if we stay too close to the PRC- the US might support a (Trillianes?) pro-American coup against the legal and constitutional government of the Philippines.

The cold war is over the fuck are you on about

[Hastiaka]

What happened to Pres. Marcos might happen to P.Duterte (the US betrayal part). Don't think too shallow, there are reports of people planning to oust our government we can never dismiss such a thing. The cold war of the 20th century is over but look at the middle east, north africa and the black sea. Do you not see the tensions? This may sound like a conspiracy theory but neither the US or the PRC are our knights in shining armor.

[Zhouran]

Ronald Reagan was a thing you know.

Not a lot of American actors become big-shot politicians. There are examples including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Al Franken, but the list isn't that big. Plus, American politics isn't shaped by showmanship and family dynasties like Filipino politics.

Also, Filipinos love all that showbiz crap. They wouldn't mind showmanship since Filipino politicians would need a method to persuade people to vote for them. I'm not saying it negatively since it's how Filipino politicians would do it to gain votes and support.

And if we use the current events, Donald Trump (reality TV Shows pls go)

Technically, he isn't really a politician since he's a businessman and not a government bureaucrat. Plus he's only a presidential candidate. If he was elected as president, then American politics would become a lot more showmanship-like.

I may not 100% agree with our president, but he has a point. Plus, being too close to any of the two superpowers is too dangerous. If we stay too close to the United States, we're pissing off the PRC (maybe they'll point their/more nukes at us) and if we stay too close to the PRC- the US might support a (Trillianes?) pro-American coup against the legal and constitutional government of the Philippines.

This isn't the 1970s/1980s, fam. Being neutral isn't gonna help the Philippines on the world stage.

[Zhouran]

What happened to Pres. Marcos might happen to P.Duterte (the US betrayal part). Don't think too shallow, there are reports of people planning to oust our government we can never dismiss such a thing. The cold war of the 20th century is over but look at the middle east, north africa and the black sea. Do you not see the tensions? This may sound like a conspiracy theory but neither the US or the PRC are our knights in shining armor.

Too bad. You're gonna need to take a side and stop being one of those neutral moderates.

[Novus America]

Wrong group, the MILF stands for Moro ISLAMIC Liberation Front, which we've had a treaty with since Aquino, what you're probably refering to is the NPA which essentially represents all the communist groups in the Phils.

Anyway, on a more... frustrating note...

I may not 100% agree with our president, but he has a point. Plus, being too close to any of the two superpowers is too dangerous. If we stay too close to the United States, we're pissing off the PRC (maybe they'll point their/more nukes at us) and if we stay too close to the PRC- the US might support a (Trillianes?) pro-American coup against the legal and constitutional government of the Philippines.

The US has not done any coup in the Philippines and this is not the 50s or 60s. Plus contrary to popular belief the US does not have a magical coup button at the CIA headquarters. Even if we wanted to pull one (and we do not) it is really hard to do. In fact it is impossible without substantial support already there.

The US never has never and never will make a coup appear from nothing. It has in the past supported coups that were already in progress. Key word being already in progress. Which plenty of countries including China have done.

If you have no close friends, you have no close friends. And thus are all alone when the going gets tough. One good friend is much better than a dozen "friends" who are no there when you need them. And "neutrality" is no defense. It just makes you an open target for everyone. Just ask countries like Belgium and Luxembourg how it worked for them.

[Novus America]

What happened to Pres. Marcos might happen to P.Duterte (the US betrayal part). Don't think too shallow, there are reports of people planning to oust our government we can never dismiss such a thing. The cold war of the 20th century is over but look at the middle east, north africa and the black sea. Do you not see the tensions? This may sound like a conspiracy theory but neither the US or the PRC are our knights in shining armor.

How did the US "betray" Marcos? No more than the Phillipines "betrayed" Bush I. Bush I lost, and the Philippines went right on making friends with Clinton. In fact all that shows is the US was unwilling to get involved in the political affairs of the Philippines. Marcos failed because of his own corruption and incompetence. The US was quite intelligently keeping good relations with whoever was in power. When he was in power we would work with him. When he fell we worked with the next government. Good relations between countries are between institutions, not individual people. You make friends with the country, not the leader of the day. Good relations are not based on what party or person happens to be in power. Not the president of the day, which will not be the same in the future.

Yes neither the US or PRC is a knight in shining armor. Because knights in shinning armor do not exist. You can still have friends who are flawed, in fact all your friends will be flawed. You cannot trust any friend completely. It is a matter of who you can trust most. If you think you can have no good friends because you think everyone is equally bad you will have a lonely life and when the going gets tough no one to turn to.

[Asigna]

I may not 100% agree with our president, but he has a point. Plus, being too close to any of the two superpowers is too dangerous. If we stay too close to the United States, we're pissing off the PRC (maybe they'll point their/more nukes at us) and if we stay too close to the PRC- the US might support a (Trillianes?) pro-American coup against the legal and constitutional government of the Philippines.

The US has not done any coup in the Philippines and this is not the 50s or 60s. Plus contrary to popular belief the US does not have a magical coup button at the CIA headquarters. Even if we wanted to pull one (and we do not) it is really hard to do. In fact it is impossible without substantial support already there.

The US never has never and never will make a coup appear from nothing. It has in the past supported coups that were already in progress. Key word being already in progress. Which plenty of countries including China have done.

If you have no close friends, you have no close friends. And thus are all alone when the going gets tough. One good friend is much better than a dozen "friends" who are no there when you need them. And "neutrality" is no defense. It just makes you an open target for everyone. Just ask countries like Belgium and Luxembourg how it worked for them.

True. If the US did, Syria should be a finished business a long time ago, as well as Iran and Russia. But no.

The myth of the "almighty, all knowing, omnipotent and omnipresent CIA" has to be shattered. Plus, to do a coup in the Philippines will only do more harm than good to the US. Especially with popular support not being in their favor.

What happened to Pres. Marcos might happen to P.Duterte (the US betrayal part). Don't think too shallow, there are reports of people planning to oust our government we can never dismiss such a thing. The cold war of the 20th century is over but look at the middle east, north africa and the black sea. Do you not see the tensions? This may sound like a conspiracy theory but neither the US or the PRC are our knights in shining armor.

We need to however, at least placate both powers if we want to survive as a developing nation. Unless if we are a super power in our own right, we are in no position to say "let's be neutral".

No, the Philippines and its strategic territorial placement, being a potential unsinkable aircraft carrier for any superpower that has dominance over it, is a very coveted nation. If not the US, China will do its best to get a hold of the Philippines directly or indirectly to get within striking range of the second island chain as well as being in the position to enforce concessions upon rival powers like Japan and South Korea, whose maritime trade routes pass through waters adjacent to the Philippines.

We have to play by the rules of the game continuously if we want to win, or at least survive. Once we have grown enough, it will be possible for us to seize the initiative and change the rules of the game. Might makes right in this world. And if we want to be the one who is to be listened to, we have to secure might.

[Novus America]

The US has not done any coup in the Philippines and this is not the 50s or 60s. Plus contrary to popular belief the US does not have a magical coup button at the CIA headquarters. Even if we wanted to pull one (and we do not) it is really hard to do. In fact it is impossible without substantial support already there.

The US never has never and never will make a coup appear from nothing. It has in the past supported coups that were already in progress. Key word being already in progress. Which plenty of countries including China have done.

If you have no close friends, you have no close friends. And thus are all alone when the going gets tough. One good friend is much better than a dozen "friends" who are no there when you need them. And "neutrality" is no defense. It just makes you an open target for everyone. Just ask countries like Belgium and Luxembourg how it worked for them.

True. If the US did, Syria should be a finished business a long time ago, as well as Iran and Russia. But no.

The myth of the "almighty, all knowing, omnipotent and omnipresent CIA" has to be shattered. Plus, to do a coup in the Philippines will only do more harm than good to the US. Especially with popular support not being in their favor.

What happened to Pres. Marcos might happen to P.Duterte (the US betrayal part). Don't think too shallow, there are reports of people planning to oust our government we can never dismiss such a thing. The cold war of the 20th century is over but look at the middle east, north africa and the black sea. Do you not see the tensions? This may sound like a conspiracy theory but neither the US or the PRC are our knights in shining armor.

We need to however, at least placate both powers if we want to survive as a developing nation. Unless if we are a super power in our own right, we are in no position to say "let's be neutral".

No, the Philippines and its strategic territorial placement, being a potential unsinkable aircraft carrier for any superpower that has dominance over it, is a very coveted nation. If not the US, China will do its best to get a hold of the Philippines directly or indirectly to get within striking range of the second island chain as well as being in the position to enforce concessions upon rival powers like Japan and South Korea, whose maritime trade routes pass through waters adjacent to the Philippines.

We have to play by the rules of the game continuously if we want to win, or at least survive. Once we have grown enough, it will be possible for us to seize the initiative and change the rules of the game. Might makes right in this world. And if we want to be the one who is to be listened to, we have to secure might.

And while the US has its downsides, it is not a brutal corrupt dictatorship seeking to seize islands from the Philippines like China. Leaving no choice for now. But even if stronger you still need allies, even if the alliance becomes more equitable. Even Japan and Korea need alliances with the US. And the Philippines is probably going to take a long time to reach that level.

And even if strong, the Philippines will still never be a superpower, (it does not have the land or resources) and thus needs to decide which superpower is best to work with. And there are only two choices

[Asigna]

True. If the US did, Syria should be a finished business a long time ago, as well as Iran and Russia. But no.

The myth of the "almighty, all knowing, omnipotent and omnipresent CIA" has to be shattered. Plus, to do a coup in the Philippines will only do more harm than good to the US. Especially with popular support not being in their favor.



We need to however, at least placate both powers if we want to survive as a developing nation. Unless if we are a super power in our own right, we are in no position to say "let's be neutral".

No, the Philippines and its strategic territorial placement, being a potential unsinkable aircraft carrier for any superpower that has dominance over it, is a very coveted nation. If not the US, China will do its best to get a hold of the Philippines directly or indirectly to get within striking range of the second island chain as well as being in the position to enforce concessions upon rival powers like Japan and South Korea, whose maritime trade routes pass through waters adjacent to the Philippines.

We have to play by the rules of the game continuously if we want to win, or at least survive. Once we have grown enough, it will be possible for us to seize the initiative and change the rules of the game. Might makes right in this world. And if we want to be the one who is to be listened to, we have to secure might.

And while the US has its downsides, it is not a brutal corrupt dictatorship seeking to seize islands from the Philippines like China. Leaving no choice for now. But even if stronger you still need allies, even if the alliance becomes more equitable. Even Japan and Korea need alliances with the US. And the Philippines is probably going to take a long time to reach that level.

And even if strong, the Philippines will still never be a superpower, (it does not have the land or resources) and thus needs to decide which superpower is best to work with. And there are only two choices

An EU like strong bloc of nations that are weak individually yet strong when unified may be the best path. But of course, this does not need to be one or the other. If it cannot be no decision but it can definitely be both so that no one will be in the position to make demand strong concessions to the Philippines in fear that they will either lose their grip and have it surrendered to the other one.

Think of it like an eternal tug of war with the Philippines being a rope where no one bothers to pull any further in fear that their own grip might slip. And heck, the Philippines might even benefit from this through homage, gifts of "aid" and "advisers" to the nation to help in its development. This might be the most plausible and pragmatic non partisan solution that could be devised.

[Novus America]

And while the US has its downsides, it is not a brutal corrupt dictatorship seeking to seize islands from the Philippines like China. Leaving no choice for now. But even if stronger you still need allies, even if the alliance becomes more equitable. Even Japan and Korea need alliances with the US. And the Philippines is probably going to take a long time to reach that level.

And even if strong, the Philippines will still never be a superpower, (it does not have the land or resources) and thus needs to decide which superpower is best to work with. And there are only two choices

An EU like strong bloc of nations that are weak individually yet strong when unified may be the best path. But of course, this does not need to be one or the other. If it cannot be no decision but it can definitely be both so that no one will be in the position to make demand strong concessions to the Philippines in fear that they will either lose their grip and have it surrendered to the other one.

Think of it like an eternal tug of war with the Philippines being a rope where no one bothers to pull any further in fear that their own grip might slip. And heck, the Philippines might even benefit from this through homage, gifts of "aid" and "advisers" to the nation to help in its development. This might be the most plausible and pragmatic non partisan solution that could be devised.

Well yes, joining a larger strong bloc is an option. This is how the US became a superpower, of smaller states joining together while still keeping a high level of autonomy. The problem is most such blocs fail to materialize or survive, as in the EU which is on the verge of collapse. ASEAN does not seem to be going anywhere.

True it does not her to be one or the other exactly. A US ally does not need to have hostile relations with China. The US and China are not enemies, though we have disagreements. The Phillipines should of course not seek to be hostile to China.
The problem is of course China has to cease its hostility and recognize international law.

You do want an ally though, somone who at least offers to defend you if attacked, it provides some assurance and deterence. It does not need to be one of the other entirely, but you need a side to fall back on. You need a back up plan if things go bad.

The problem here is that China will never stop pulling harder until it wins. If China would drop its claims on rightful Philippines territory and credibly promise not to harm the Philippines things would be different. But the fact is right now China has claims that are inherently hostile to the Philippines. If two people offer to help you, but one is also holding a gun at you and demanding your money, you are left with little choice. Unless you are willing to just give the robber what he wants and pray he does not demand more.

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

Wrong group, the MILF stands for Moro ISLAMIC Liberation Front, which we've had a treaty with since Aquino, what you're probably refering to is the NPA which essentially represents all the communist groups in the Phils.

Anyway, on a more... frustrating note...

I may not 100% agree with our president, but he has a point. Plus, being too close to any of the two superpowers is too dangerous. If we stay too close to the United States, we're pissing off the PRC (maybe they'll point their/more nukes at us) and if we stay too close to the PRC- the US might support a (Trillianes?) pro-American coup against the legal and constitutional government of the Philippines.

A point? You have to remember that the PRC has been our natural enemy since they claimed our rightful territory in the 1960s, heck it's been our territory in accordance with International law since they signed said International law in 1994. This has nothing to do with being too close to any one super power, if the Chinese Government wants to placate us, then they can effectively do so by leaving the West Philippine Sea, otherwise Duterte's anti-American rhetoric will be seen as a pro-Chinese invitation, a sentiment that could even spark a People Power Revolution (given the economy suffers greatly from Capital Flight spurred by Duterte's nonesensical statements).

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

What happened to Pres. Marcos might happen to P.Duterte (the US betrayal part). Don't think too shallow, there are reports of people planning to oust our government we can never dismiss such a thing. The cold war of the 20th century is over but look at the middle east, north africa and the black sea. Do you not see the tensions? This may sound like a conspiracy theory but neither the US or the PRC are our knights in shining armor.

Firstly, we can't compare to those countries because as harsh as this sounds, those countries are majority Muslim countries, us as a majority Christian nation was in the same position as Libya in the sense that we removed a totalitarianistic Government, (not through the same method, but still) however we we're able to fill the vacuum of power pretty quickly with a Western styled democratic secular Government, now if we look at the Middle East and North Africa all those that filled the vacuum of power either turned into Totalitarians themselves or became extremist Islamic groups hellbent on terrorising the World.

As for your final point, though that maybe true, it would be counter productive to leave an alliance with States, knowing all to well that they have the best military weapons in the World, the Chinese cannot compare, at all, and they have nuclear weapons, heck they're protesting the placement of the new anti-missile defence system in South Korea by America since they know those things can shoot down Chinese missiles in a sinch too, so if I were to want to anger one superpower, I would be more than willing to anger the illegal and Illegitimate Chinese Government.

[The Gamindustrian Union]

I am scared.

I don't want the Philippines to be more allied with China than the United States.

Why is Rodrigo Duterte like this?

[Ashkera]

I am scared.

I don't want the Philippines to be more allied with China than the United States.

Why is Rodrigo Duterte like this?

Because he was bitten by a radioactive demagogue when he was a child.

More seriously, China won't complain if he kills people he shouldn't be killing, and you know why.

[Yugoslav Memes]

I am scared.

I don't want the Philippines to be more allied with China than the United States.

Why is Rodrigo Duterte like this?

I am scared.

People still don't believe he is an android.

Why are people like this?