Beneath the accusations of colossal corruption now thrown about between the two opposing political camps that may face their ultimate Armageddon in 2028 are rat-infested labyrinthine tunnels of immeasurable variables. These unquantifiable betas could spell the difference between our hard-fought democracy or a surrender to a hostile superpower. The questions of patriotism, betrayal, and subjugation have surfaced before, albeit too briefly. While it divided lawmakers between those who support China’s long-term designs and those aligned with the government’s efforts at diplomacy and appeasement, that fragile picket fence differentiation soon toppled.

De La Paz, D. (2026, January 5). Chinese control of PH oil and gas reserves [Opinion]. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A7.