AMID the escalating discord and tension between the Philippines and China concerning issues related to the disputed South China Sea (SCS), a pivotal question emerges for the Filipino people: Does this ongoing struggle — a geopolitical 'tug of war' — serve the country's national interests or potentially endanger its future?

This dispute is not merely about immediate gains or losses but encapsulates broader implications for national security, national interest, economic prosperity and international relations. The long-term consequences of this conflict cannot be ignored and must be factored into any strategic decisions.