2025: A grand coalition versus Dutertes?

July 4, 2024

MANILA – Perched on the edges of Manila, where the pearl of the orient meets the South China Sea, lies the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) headquarters. Located not far away from the statue of our most celebrated hero, Jose Rizal, is the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702). Named after one of the heroines of the Philippine Revolution, she is a sight to behold. Drenched in silk white, and donning the royal blue and crimson red colors of our national flag, she is a massive 97 meters-long beast of steel. Constructed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd in Shimonoseki, Japan, BRP Melchora Aquino is one of the most modern and capable vessels of her kind.

In many ways, she represents the remarkable transformation of the PCG, which boasts one of the best personnel and equipment among our regional peers. Thanks to the leadership of PCG Commandant CG Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, and the relentless dedication of Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG has also become the linchpin of our struggle in the West Philippine Sea. Its world-renowned “transparency initiative” has exposed the moral bankruptcy and sheer brutality of Beijing’s creeping invasion of Philippine waters. Against all odds, and in tandem with other relevant agencies of the state, the PCG has been at the forefront of protecting our sovereign rights and national dignity in the disputed waters.

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining colleagues in the media and academe aboard BRP Melchora Aquino, which hosted a particularly vivacious thanksgiving event honoring our national defense leadership, most notably National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who has been the linchpin of strategic maturity and sober patriotism in the current administration. Everyone was in a great mood.