An Open Letter To Tobin Padilla

Dear Binoe,

We need to talk about your performance. 

As the nation’s premier action star-turned-senator, you should know that every good movie has a logic. 

But right now, your foreign policy stance is like an action flick where the hero sees the villain breaking into his house and decides to hide under the bed to "avoid a confrontation."

That’s not a blockbuster, Robin. That’s a tragedy with a very quiet soundtrack.

Scene 1: The "Hush-Hush" Fallacy

You’ve been whispering about China like they’re a sleeping giant we shouldn’t wake up. 

Here’s the reality check: The giant is already awake, it’s had its coffee, and it’s currently moving your furniture into its own truck.

In the world of Game Theory (think of it as the "script" for how countries behave), there’s a concept called Deterrence. It’s pretty simple:

1. The Bully: Wants your lunch.

2. The Response: If you say, "Please don't hit me, I'll be quiet," the bully realizes he can take your lunch and your dessert for free.

3. The Result: You don't get peace; you just get hungry.

By telling us to be "hush-hush," you’re essentially telling the world that the Philippines is a "no-contact" extra in its own movie.

Scene 2: The "War" Plot Hole

You’re worried that if we make "piglas" (struggle), China will start a World War. 

Robin, let’s look at the budget. A full-scale war is the ultimate "Box Office Bomb."

• The Cost: China would lose trillions in trade.

• The Cast: Every ally from the US to Japan would join the sequel.

• The Loot: All that for... a few rocks and some saltwater fish?

China is smarter than your script gives them credit for. 

They don't want a "War Movie"; they want a "Heist Movie" where nobody notices the heist is happening. 

They love the "Gray Zone"—that blurry area where they push, shove, and spray water, but never actually pull the trigger because pulling the trigger ends the game.

Scene 3: The Loyalty Oscar

We get it. You’re loyal. You’re a "Man’s Man." 

But right now, you’re acting like the henchman who stays loyal to the boss even when the boss has already sold the hideout and moved to Hague.

You’re looking for a "Star" from the previous director, but that movie wrapped years ago. 

Sitting in the Senate isn't about being a "Good Boy" for an old mentor; it’s about being the Lead Actor for the Filipino people.

The Final Act: The Script Doctor’s Advice

Stop acting like we’re the damsel in distress waiting for permission to scream. 

In any classic Robin Padilla movie, when the goons start encroaching on the protagonist's land, does he whisper? 

Does he worry about "provoking" them while they’re literally standing on his toes?

No. He stands his ground. Because he knows that bullies only respect the person who makes the cost of bullying too high.

Right now, you’re whispering because you’re afraid of a gun that isn't even loaded, while they’re taking the whole house.

 It’s time to find your own voice, Robin. The one that doesn't sound like it's being dubbed by someone else.