In another instance of Philippine media’s boundless faith in the country’s former colonial master, nearly all newspapers the other day banner-headlined US Secretary of State Michael Richard Pompeo’s claim that America will defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack by any country in the South China Sea. Don’t bet on it. US officials have said that so many times in the past. But in cases when the Philippines seemed to be on the verge of an armed conflict with China in the South China Sea, and asked the US for assurances of such succor, they either remained silent or “clarified” that they’d have to study the case more closely.

Tiglao, R. D. (2019, March 4). US will defend PH in a South China Sea war? Don't bet on it. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A5.