Given the manner in which the Trump administration has been derisive of allies and even dismissive of genuine offers of assistance, the Americans might just end up winning the battle and losing the peace in Iran. However, would that matter for Trump? Probably not as he and his cronies would probably be making a killing on Iran’s oil industry because nowadays, U.S. national security is not just defined as the interests of the U.S. itself, but how best will it fill up Trump’s corrupt pockets.

Filipinos are resilient. We always find ways to cope. But we shouldn’t have to keep surviving problems that could have been prevented. We deserve leadership that plans ahead.

Sara Duterte’s silence in the House may be the loudest part of her 2028 positioning. Every unanswered question signals to supporters that the current administration is illegitimate. Every delay reinforces a narrative of persecution.