A former Philippine presidential spokesperson has sparked heated debate after publicly criticizing Manila’s approach to China, calling it “irrational” and accusing the U.S. of “brainwashing” the country. Rigoberto D. Tiglao, once a vocal government insider, didn’t mince words: “I am ashamed of our country.” 💔
Tiglao pointed to a sharp 16% drop in foreign investments during the first nine months of 2023 as evidence of policy failures. “Why antagonize China, which could be our biggest investor for decades?” he asked, urging a reset in cross-strait diplomacy. His remarks come as tensions simmer over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
The ex-official’s blunt critique quickly went viral, with netizens debating whether Manila’s geopolitical alignment with Washington is costing economic opportunities. 🌏💸 Could warmer ties with Beijing unlock new funding for infrastructure and tech? Analysts say the stakes are high for the Philippines’ $400B economy.
