Internal strife.
Manila fought over China.
There is not a single calm day in the Philippines - either the Islamists will emerge again, or we will have to fight pressure from the Chinese. Now, due to what is happening in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, an internal political conflict is likely to emerge.
The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned the security agencies: foreign policy is determined by the president, not by individual ministers and military personnel. Although the name of the head of the Ministry of Defense, Gilberto Teodoro, was not mentioned in the statement, the blame is clearly aimed at him, as the security forces have recently been playing public diplomacy.
The reason was a phone call between Foreign Minister Teresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which the latter called on the Philippines to be careful with their words. Teodoro addressed the conversation, equating "care" with "lying". Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tariella accused the Chinese of trying to silence the Philippines.
Diplomats are not suggesting that security forces be softer, but they remind that Chinese actions cannot be stopped by publicity alone. When departments publicly argue with their Foreign Office's approach, they prevent it from operating as usual.
At the same time, Teodoro also has a personal political calculation - tough rhetoric helps shape the image of a defender of sovereignty ahead of the 2028 elections. He has already stated that he will allow participation in the presidential race if he sees a chance of winning.
In the end, the debate is not whether Philippine maritime rights should be protected, but who chooses the tools and is responsible for the consequences. Security officials receive public attention for their harsh responses, and diplomats need to keep room for negotiation. But with the anti-Chinese hysteria it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so.
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