MALACAÑANG sees one-way criticism, and the court jester is quick to belabor it.
The other day, Presidential Spokeserson Salvador Panelo wondered why some security experts expressed concern over the probability - not possibility - of China taking over Subic in the wake of the Hanjin financial debacle.
On its face, it seemed like a fair, even intelligent, inquiry. Except that it is not, coming as it did from someone who should know better given China's questionable adventure in our backyard for the longest.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist, and Panelo obviously is not, to consider the probability. China is, for all intents and purposes, notwithstanding our legal rights and the world's to China's hegemonic incursion, in actual possession of the South China Sea. The critics see an end-game while Panelo looks the other way.
The unbridled construction of military and aviation facilities in invaded areas are unmistakable proof of China's devious intent. The fall of Subic into their hands, even if legally, could further hasten her global dominance.
It's a huge caveat.
In other words, Panelo is being ridiculous in asking the question. Unless, of course, he is in China's pocket, which means he just doing his other job of speaking for China faster than Chinese leaders could say tse-tse.
Such a posture only serves to diminish any effort to discourage China in pursuing an unneighborly conduct and devalues our rightful claim over areas China has a counterclaim but no proof but a self-serving nine-dash line theory.
If Panelo's question is not unpatriotic, I don't know what is. American military analysts are saying that, unless China stops on its invasive track and the United States and other countries firm in standing in the way, war may be inevitable in 15 years.
Or less.
Panelo, by asking a seemingly innocuous question, may make that happen wittingly or unwittingly.
It's time for him and others in the present administration with the same persuasion to consider the alternative.
Take note that in the last survey, more Filipinos trust the Americans more than the Chinese.
Or is that the reason Panelo appears to be speaking for China?