Once again, Filipinos find themselves betrayed by a supposed ally. The United States regularly claims that the Philippines is a “friend,” “partner,” and “ally,” but history and present reality tell a different story; one of exploitation, manipulation, and abandonment.
Henry Kissinger once said, “It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal.” For the Philippines, this has proven painfully true.
A Historical Pattern of Exploitation
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The relationship between the Philippines and the United States has always been unequal. From the very beginning, America’s so-called friendship has come at a steep cost to the Filipino people:
Colonial conquest under false pretences
The US justified its occupation of the Philippines in 1898 by claiming to “civilize” Filipinos. In reality, it was a brutal war of conquest, with over a million Filipinos dead and Filipino resistance labeled as “insurrection.”
Forced Parity Rights
After “granting” independence in 1946, the US forced the newly sovereign Philippines to amend its constitution to allow Americans the same economic rights as Filipinos. This wasn’t partnership— it was economic colonization.
World War II betrayal
Over 250,000 Filipino soldiers fought under the American flag during World War II, promised equal benefits and citizenship rights. After the war, the US rescinded these promises. Veterans died waiting for justice and compensation that came decades too late—if it came at all.
Damages by US military bases
For decades, the US operated bases on Philippine soil. The damages left behind—environmental destruction, broken communities, and economic dependency—was never compensated adequately.
Repeated interference in domestic affairs
From supporting and abandoning dictators like Marcos Sr. when it suited them, to pushing one-sided policies that benefited US corporations at the expense of Filipinos, America has constantly meddled in Philippine internal matters, always under the guise of “help.”
Modern-Day Betrayal: A Friend in Name, a Bully in Practice
Fast forward to today, and nothing has changed.
The Philippines continues to give America everything, yet receives little in return:
One-sided visa policies. Americans can enter the Philippines visa-free. Filipinos, meanwhile, endure long lines, humiliating interviews, and must pay thousands just to apply for a US visa—no guarantee of approval.
Tariffs and trade barriers. Even as the Philippines bends over backward to please Washington, the US has not hesitated to impose tariffs and sanctions that hurt Filipino businesses and consumers.
US military expansion—on our dime. Under the guise of “defense,” the Philippines has opened its doors to more American military bases that we host and maintain, paid for by Filipino taxpayers’ money. This has increased tensions in the region and put the Philippines on the frontline target of America’s enemies!
Filipinos jailed and mistreated in the US. From documented OFWs being jailed and deported, to Filipinos being among the top victims of anti-Asian hate crimes, the “special relationship” clearly doesn’t protect the lives and dignity of our people abroad.
Overpriced and outdated weapons. Our own Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, proudly facilitated arms deals that will cost the Philippines ₱350 billion for outdated missile systems—while millions of Filipinos go hungry. This is not diplomacy. This is betrayal.
The F-16 deception
As part of the supposed “modernization” of our military, the US is pushing the Philippines to purchase F-16 fighter jets, even though these aircraft are decades old and cost more than newer, more advanced models from other countries. While nations like South Korea and Turkey develop or acquire stealth fighters and drone squadrons at a lower cost, the Philippines is being sold overpriced, obsolete hardware—further deepening our dependency while draining our limited defense budget.
The Illusion of Partnership
The United States continues to treat the Philippines not as a sovereign partner, but as a dependent colony. Military agreements, trade deals, diplomatic engagements—always tilt in favor of American profits.
Remember when former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shamelessly admitted: “We lied, we cheated, we stole.” These words aren’t just rhetoric—they reflect a foreign policy doctrine that sees allies as pawns, and Filipino lives as expendable.
Time to Wake Up
Filipinos have long been generous with our friendship and forgiving in our judgment.
But there comes a time when we must ask:
How many more betrayals must we suffer before we assert our dignity as a nation?
The Filipino people deserve better than to be endlessly used by foreign powers.
We must reassess our so-called alliances. Real friendship is based on respect and reciprocity—not manipulation and abuse.
It is time to wake up.
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