Traitors among us

Beijing’s threats are becoming increasingly brazen. On Oct. 15, China’s ambassador declared, “If we want to use force, we may easily win.” This is outright intimidation dressed as diplomacy. As tensions escalate, the Philippines cannot afford division within its own ranks. We must confront Beijing as a united nation, firm in defending our rights against a power that uses force to get its way and one who disregards international law.

That said, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was right to demand the resignation of government officials who side with China on the West Philippine Sea issue. His message underscored the most basic duty of public office – unquestionable loyalty to the Republic.

Teodoro cited Administrative Order No. 29, issued in 2012, which named the maritime areas under Philippine jurisdiction west of the archipelago as the West Philippine Sea. Government officials are duty-bound to uphold this policy and all laws that support it. Those unwilling to do so should resign from the public offices they hold.

At stake are our sovereign rights, marine and energy resources, fishermen’s livelihoods and children’s future.

Despite the 2016 arbitral ruling upholding Philippine sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone, China’s coast guard have  rammed Philippine vessels, fired water cannons, blocked resupply missions and harassed our fishermen. Its maritime militia maintains an illegal presence in our EEZ.

Yet, certain Filipino politicians blame our military, coast guard and diplomats for China’s aggression as though Beijing’s abuses were our fault. They portray resistance as warmongering and speak as though submission were diplomacy and cowardice were statesmanship.

These officials are not promoting peace. They are intentionally weakening our defenses from within. They are traitors to the state and must be held accountable.

Let us not forget that national security depends not only on weapons and soldiers, but also on political unity, institutional integrity and public trust. Officials who echo foreign propaganda divide the nation and weaken its negotiating position. They give Beijing precisely what it wants – a Philippines too conflicted and divided  to defend itself.

This is how modern conquest works. China need not invade if it can persuade Filipinos to surrender voluntarily. It need not occupy Malacañang if its narratives already occupy the minds and mouths of influential politicians.

Buying politicians, a Chinese modus operandi

Buying influence is an old strategy of the Chinese Communist Party. They have been caught doing so many times.  Beijing bribe politicians, businessmen, academics and media personalities with campaign support, business deals, paid junkets, government contracts and privileged access. Those who accept are expected to promote Chinese narratives and defend Chinese interest.

These tactics are in full swing in the Philippines. Money, commercial contracts, “donations,” troll farms and favors passed off as charity buy loyalty. Driven by greed, certain Filipinos willingly betray their country.

To the traitors in our midst, you know who you are and so do we. Your patriotism is a sham just like your integrity. Your oath means nothing. You are pathetic. Every accommodation you make for Beijing betrays the country you swore to defend. Your greed keeps us weak. Your ambition keeps us divided. For this, you must face prosecution and if convicted, banished to prison before your betrayal does lasting damage to the republic.

Filipino traitors

Filipino traitors are like rats. Rats enter a house searching for food. Traitors receive its keys, learn where the children sleep and open the door for the murderer. They enjoy the perks and privileges of public office while attacking the nation from within. They salute our flag while serving the very power grabbing our seas.

Their damage spreads like the bubonic plague. Politically, they distort policy and paralyze national resolve. Economically, they expose strategic industries and resources to foreign leverage. Socially, they spread propaganda that turns Filipinos against one another. Militarily, they compromise plans and alliances. They condition the public to accept today’s intrusion as tomorrow’s permanent reality.

One can easily spot the traitors by what they advocate. They directly or indirectly justify China’s illegal behavior. They promote Beijing’s narratives. They blame the Philippines for the tension. Many occupy seats in the Senate, positions in the former Duterte Cabinet and roles in the Duterte communications apparatus.

These traitors foolishly think that Beijing respects them. In reality, Beijing looks at them like the rats that they are. Look what they did to president Duterte. The CCP neither bothered to make good on its promised $24-billion investments nor grant him asylum when he needed it most. He was a dispensable rag who served his purpose. A  consequential fool.

Punishment

I support Secretary Teodoro’s call for absolute loyalty to the Republic. Officials who betray the country must be investigated and prosecuted. Upon conviction, they must face removal, perpetual disqualification from public office, forfeiture of criminal proceeds and imprisonment, as applicable under law.

Congress must strengthen national security laws against peacetime betrayal. This includes selling defense secrets, accepting secret foreign payments to influence decisions or public perceptions, facilitating espionage and sabotaging our defenses. Penalties should include reclusion perpetua. These laws must punish deliberate betrayal while protecting legitimate dissent. Loyalty to the Republic must never be for sale.

As for civil society, we must not accord  traitors the privilege of our polite silence. They do not deserve it. They must be exposed and shunned. Their traitorhood  must be permanently recorded in our history books, so their children and grandchildren  may know who their forefathers truly are.

Public office demands unwavering loyalty to the country. Those who cannot put country first must resign. Those who sell it out must face the full force of the law. A nation that tolerates betrayal invites its own subjugation.

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Email: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan