Sovereignty. It is a word etched in the hearts of every Filipino who understands the weight of the country’s history. From colonization to independence, from Martial Law to democracy, the concept of sovereignty has been a cornerstone of our identity. But as we look at our present political and economic landscape, we must ask ourselves: How much sovereignty do we really have? And more importantly, are we in danger of losing it in exchange for fleeting gains?

The ongoing tension in the South China Sea serves as a glaring example of our sovereignty being tested. With competing territorial claims and a rising power in China that increasingly disregards international law, the Philippines finds itself caught in the middle. The question isn’t whether we should protect our territories; it is how far we are willing to go to stand firm in the face of a global superpower. Our alliances, our foreign policies, and even our economic interests are all tied to a delicate balance that is now at risk.

In recent years, it feels as though Philippine sovereignty is being undermined, not just by external forces, but by internal politics as well. Leaders who once vowed to protect the nation’s interests now engage in negotiations that seem more about securing short-term advantages than safeguarding long-term independence. Agreements that should prioritize Filipino interests appear to serve corporate or foreign agendas, often leaving citizens wondering: Whose side are we really on?

One of the most poignant examples is the increase in foreign investments, particularly from China. While these investments bring economic opportunities, they also come with strings attached—whether in the form of unsustainable loans or the unregulated use of our resources. Are we truly benefitting from these deals, or are we selling our sovereignty in the process? In exchange for development, are we compromising the very essence of what it means to be Filipino, to control our own land, our own waters, and our own destiny?

There’s also the issue of military presence. While defense agreements with the U.S. and other countries have bolstered our security, there are moments when it feels as though we have traded too much of our autonomy for protection. What happens when these forces, meant to defend us, begin to dictate the terms of our security? When does sovereignty become a casualty in the name of international cooperation?

The title of this article—“The Philippine Sovereignty or So Over in Thee?”—is a play on words, but it holds a serious question: Are we witnessing the decline of our sovereignty, or are we simply too complacent to see it happening before our eyes? The sovereignty of the Philippines is not just about borders or military strength; it’s about having control over our resources, our economy, and our future. We cannot afford to allow this power to slip away, piece by piece, under the guise of progress.

The real challenge now is whether we, as a nation, can reclaim our sovereignty in all its forms, or whether we will let it be “over” by giving in to external pressures, foreign interests, and short-sighted decisions.