‘Balance of power’ key to solving West PH Sea dispute

Presidential bet Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Philippines needs to maximize its alliances with powerful countries to show a “balance of power” in the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

“Ang isang dapat approach dito yung ma-maintain ‘yung balance of power, because ‘yung bansa natin, maliit at saka militarily napakahina (One of the main approaches we should do is to maintain a balance of power because our country is small and our military is weak.),” the senator said in an online discussion on “Pandesal Forum.”

The standard bearer of Partido Reporma said that the Philippines should use to its benefits the offers of allies that have already expressed willingness to support our claim on the disputed waters. These include the United States and Australia, who both have stronger military capability.

“Para naman maipakita na hindi tayo push over lamang at mayroong mga bansa na malalaki at malalakas na willing tumulong sa atin (So that we can show that we are not push overs and there are bigger and stronger countries that are willing to help us),” he said.

With 12% of the world’s maritime trade passing through the West Philippine Sea, Lacson had said that it’s in the interest of the Philippines and its allies to keep these waters open.

In a separate statement, Lacson’s spokesperson Ashley Acedillo said the presidential candidate plans to be both “agile” and “pragmatic” in dealing with China. Acedillo added that the next national leader should be able to stand “toe-to-toe” with China’s Xi Jin Ping “not just in terms of experience, but also in terms of knowledge and instincts required of the job of a Chief Executive.”

Lacson is a veteran public servant with combined 50 years of experience in both the Senate and the Philippine National Police.