Invoking the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty – acknowledging and repeatedly stressing its applicability in the West Philippine Sea (a Philippine proposition earlier rejected by the Obama administration) – the United States appears to be angling to use Subic Bay once more as its naval base in this part of the world.

President Marcos reminded the Philippine Coast Guard to be prepared to defend not only the country’s coastlines but also its citizens, noting that its mission has become more “intense” due to recent incidents that transpired in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing on Thursday, the DFA said the direct line is "an addition to and complements" already existing diplomatic channels for communication over maritime issues.

The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains that Ayungin Shoal is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, therefore giving Filipino fishermen the right to “take whatever they are due” while in the area.

Today being Sunday, a day of rest at least in the Christian church, it’s fitting that I share with you a story about a pilot who, after 29 years of flying tens of thousands of passengers, is putting down his wings.