Trump or Biden? U.S. elections, crucial for PH

By Ysabel Marie S. Vidor

The fate of several states in their foreign relations with the U.S. lies on the result of the elections. As the international community is fixated on its outcome, the Philippines is left to wonder the impact of the elections on the developing nation’s situation. Would the Philippines, given the threat of the pandemic, be better off with the Biden presidency or the Trump administration?

The Philippines has destabilized further due to the pandemic. In times of crisis, the Philippines seeks aid from the United States. With the Trump administration, there is an obvious recklessness as he denies the gravity of the virus. Trump’s reliance solely on vaccines indicates a non-robust approach on combating a global health emergency.

Furthermore, Trump’s announcement of withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), irrespective of the increasing COVID-19 cases, puts a burden on the national and global health system. Combating the pandemic alone can scarcely succeed compared to having full global agency. It poses a problem especially when the U.S. ceases all fundings for the WHO and refuses to partake in a multilateral approach. For the Philippines, this connotes an unwise dependence on the United States.

Conversely, Biden’s emphasis on reversing the withdrawal provides hope for the Philippines and the rest of the world. Full collaboration with WHO entails stronger financial viability for them to improve public health and fight the virus and other diseases. Considering the challenges of the pandemic, the Philippines may be better off with Biden’s policy.

While the election accords entirely different fates for the Philippines, it is important to acknowledge what it means for Philippine independence. Centuries have passed since the epoch of colonialism; however, the Philippines still rely on the resources of the global superpower. The U.S. is purported as a salvation from the country’s unceasing economic and political problem. Eventually, it coerces the state into a situation where political decisions are constrained due to the influence of foreign powers.

Although it is convenient, this narrative suggests how the Philippines is and has always been a slave to the United States. Now more than ever, the country needs to emancipate itself from the developed world and finally do something of their own volition.