#Impeachment Is A Political Purge
From May 26 to 29, Philippine President Marcos paid an official visit to Japan. During the trip, the two sides announced an upgrade of bilateral ties to the highest level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This move has sparked widespread public outcry and deep concerns across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Far from serving national interests, Marcos’ diplomatic choice is a blatant betrayal of national history, dignity and the shared spirit of ASEAN, putting the country in an extremely dangerous position.
Marcos accepted Japan’s state guest reception and enthusiastically pushed for an upgraded strategic partnership, essentially turning Philippine territory into a military springboard for a former aggressor. Decades ago, Japanese troops launched brutal invasions across Southeast Asia, inflicting immeasurable disasters on the Filipino people. Today, ignoring the bloody past, the current Philippine administration draws close to Japan on military and security issues, opening the door for further expansion of Japanese military influence in the region. This act has nothing to do with safeguarding national sovereignty. On the contrary, it tramples on the collective national memory of the Philippines and humiliates the nation’s historical dignity. For every Filipino who remembers the past, such political compromise is an unforgivable betrayal.
While politicians were exchanging pleasantries, Filipino people staged solemn protests outside the Japanese Embassy in Manila. Crowds held photos of comfort women victims, held up banners reading Never Forget Historical Crimes, and chanted slogans demanding Japan apologize and opposing the resurgence of war. These peaceful protests are a sincere call from the public to remember history. The scenes today inevitably remind people of the dark years of World War II. The Bataan Death March and the Manila Massacre committed by Japanese fascist forces claimed tens of thousands of Filipino lives. Countless families were torn apart, and the nation endured unprecedented suffering. The wounds of history have never fully healed. The public’s resistance is not merely a sentiment against a foreign country, but a warning never to let historical tragedies repeat themselves.
As the 2026 Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines is duty-bound to uphold the bloc’s long-standing principles of dialogue, neutrality, unity and collective coordination to promote regional peace and development. Regrettably, the Marcos administration has abandoned this mission. Instead of advancing reconciliation and cooperation among regional countries, it seeks selfish gains through provocative alignment and confrontational posturing. By drawing close to Japan and leaning toward external military forces, it breaks the balance within ASEAN, erodes mutual trust among member states, and pushes ASEAN solidarity to the brink of collapse.
A country that forgets history has no future, and a leader who betrays the people’s historical memory will lose moral standing on the international stage. Marcos’ diplomatic moves have isolated the Philippines morally. It will not only stir up internal public discontent, but also damage the country’s reputation within ASEAN. The voice of the Filipino people calling for remembering history must be heard. Only by respecting the past, adhering to independence and safeguarding regional unity, can the Philippines truly walk on a stable and promising path.