In about a month, Filipinos across the world will be celebrating Independence Day. That the date was moved from July 4th — American relinquishment of domination in 1946 — to June 12th — when the Philippines proclaimed independence from Spanish rule in 1898 — shows just how much the proud nation values its dignity and heroic struggle.

Today, they continue to stand tall in the family of nations, striving to be a friend to all and an enemy to none. The Philippines' self-respect and goodwill, however, is now at risk of being used by some outside forces to serve their geopolitical agenda — through EDCA.