Former National Defense Secretary and current senatorial candidate Norberto Gonzales reiterated that implementing compulsory military service would be crucial for the Philippines' readiness in case of a war.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Monday, Gonzales described the external threat from China as "very grave" and pointed out that the Philippines is in the midst of a serious security crisis that seems to be avoided in public discourse.
Gonzales further stressed that the Philippines should not rely on its "friend" nations, underscoring the necessity for the country to make its own preparations should China attempt to invade.
"Dapat maghanda tayo, hindi pwedeng umaasa lagi sa mga kaibigan, kailangan mayroon tayong sariling paghahanda kung paano ang gagawin natin sakaling i-invade tayo ng Tsina," said Gonzales.
"Kailangan magkaroon tayo ng mandatory military service at least during this period," he added.
The former National Security Adviser asserted that China’s efforts to infiltrate the country have been years in the making, employing numerous strategies.
He highlighted that China uses two primary approaches to enter other nations: through foreign affairs and their "goons," emphasizing that the country relies on negative elements for infiltration.
Gonzales asserted that, in his opinion, China would likely rely on major partners such as the CPP-NPA if it were to infiltrate the country.
"Nakikita ko ngayon na ang major activity ng ating mga kababayang komunista ay palakasin ulit ang kanilang underground network, binubuhay ang kanilang mga guerilla fronts, ‘yan ay nangyayari ulit ngayon," he added.
In light of this, he urged the country’s intelligence agencies not to restrict their monitoring to within the territory, suggesting that they reach out to their counterparts and begin monitoring the region.
Diplomatic dialogue: Can it resolve Philippine-China tensions?
Gonzales stated that diplomatic efforts should remain a priority, even if the chances of success appear slim, stressing the need to persist in these efforts.
However, he stressed that the key to any negotiation is mutual respect, pointing out that, in his view, China does not respect the Philippines, and many other countries share the same sentiment.
Moreover, he mentioned that the lack of respect for the country stems from its failure to develop a plan for standing on its own if it were to be abandoned by allied nations.
"Self-defense strategy is a necessity at this time at ang masama isa na lang ang natitira nating asset, our young people," said Gonzales.
"There are more than 20 million na kabataan natin, na nasa tamang edad, para masanay at makapaglingkod sa bayan sa panahon ng krisis," he added.
Can the Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. still be relied upon?
With the new administration now in place, Gonzales pointed out that under the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Philippines realized that it cannot fully rely on the United States.
He further clarified that there’s still hope, citing Japan as a key ally whose national interests align with those of the Philippines, especially given both countries' shared concerns about China’s actions.
The motivation behind his Senate bid
Gonzales explained that his primary motivation for running for senator stems from his observation of the country’s political situation.
He mentioned that many politicians tend to lower themselves to the lowest level when interacting with the people, failing to elevate the standard of politics in the country. He added that his intention is to raise that standard.
"Ambisyon ko kasi maging first world tayo. Hindi tayo magiging first-world kapag ganito ang pulitika natin, ninanakaw lahat ng yaman ng bansa," Gonzales firmly stated.
"Gusto ko lang maipakita sa mga kababayan natin na may tamang pamumulitika sa mundo at lahat ng gumagamit ng tamang pamumulitika ay umuunlad, tayo hindi," he added.
Advocacies to focus on should he win a Senate seat
Aside from advocating for compulsory military service, he reiterated his desire to amend the section of the constitution related to the country's import volume, stressing the urgent need to address this issue.
Moreover, he expressed his intention to strengthen foreign relations, emphasizing the need to explore and establish connections with new countries.
With regards to other national issues
Regarding speculations that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Gonzales noted that the decision now depends on the current President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"Hindi natin alam kung magpapahuli [si FPRRD] pero ang paghuli sakanya dipende iyan sa Pangulo natin kasi iginagalang naman ng ICC at inirerespeto ang mga bansa," Gonzales explaine.
"Kaya kapag kailangang arestuhin si President Duterte, hihingi sila ng tulong o kaya ng permiso para arestuhin siya sa Pilipinas.Kaya nagiging political action ‘yan," he added.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the ICC's goal is to bring about peace and stability, not to create chaos.
He explained that, in the end, the decision is up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., noting that while it's not being suggested that the President has made a decision to arrest former President Duterte, it is ultimately his call whether to proceed with the arrest.
"Ang ibig sabihin ng pag-aresto kay President Duterte, ‘yan ay nangangahulugan na ang ating hustisya, ang ating justice system ay hindi gumagana ng maayos," he added.
Despite his hope that Duterte's arrest would not take place, he pointed out that if an arrest were necessary, it should be carried out by the Philippine authorities.
Running under the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas, Gonzales hopes voters will give him the opportunity to serve the country, as he believes that being in a position of power allows one to accomplish more in helping others.
Prior to his current Senate candidacy, he also ran in the 2022 Presidential elections.
