I like Pat. And I like this article, mostly.
However, there are a LOT of circumstances not covered. The 2012 US-drone-strike on targets in the Philippines, condemned by the PH congress back then: that’s one.
Another is the fact that “innocent passage” through the S China Sea is still allowed. It is US warships that China objects to.
Fishing is another issue in the disputes. China is NOT building bases in the S China Sea. (I have read both sides and I am pretty sure of that. However, I am open to new info on this.)
Lastly, PH is a sovereign nation and who knows what BS has been proposed or attempted or achieved by BHO and the World Bank, that we have not heard about. I thank that could be a MAJOR contributing factor in Duterte’s disgust with America: BHO. (”Son of a whore” is an accurate translation of what Duterte said. It means that Obama’s mom was for sale, and that Obama has no birthright. Huh.)
So, I have speculation. Duterte is in a leadership position in a country that is complex, and ready to grow. Like Taiwan (an economic freezone with deep ties to China), the Philippines could become a place of peace, law and order, freedom from crime and terrorism, and prosperity for its people.
Obama (or hillary!) leading the “war on terrorism” in the southern portion of the Philippines is a recipe for DISASTER!!
And manipulation by globalists is a recipe for bankruptcy.
JMHO.