A series of explosive broadcasts from Global News Talk Radio (GNTR) have stirred intense national debate with their sweeping criticisms of Western influence, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration, and the Catholic Church, while promoting a resurgent vision of national sovereignty, anti-imperialism, and Asian solidarity—especially closer ties with China.
The multi-part commentary series, hosted by political analysts Ka Mentong Laurel, Ka Joshua Pasion, and Ka Ado Paglinawan, blends political discourse, historical interpretation, and social critique. The hosts argue that the Philippines is steadily “surrendering its sovereignty” to Western powers through the permanent U.S. military presence, foreign-controlled economic systems, and media influence that reinforce dependency and subservience.
Foreign Influence and U.S. Imperialism
Throughout the broadcasts, the hosts condemn what they describe as “U.S. war profiteering” and the systemic manipulation of Philippine politics and media. They accuse U.S.-affiliated organizations—such as Stanford’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation—of crafting national narratives that serve American geopolitical interests rather than those of the Filipino nation.
The commentators repeatedly contrast Washington’s militarism with Beijing’s diplomacy and development-oriented partnerships, portraying China as a constructive and peaceful regional power. Their recurring statement—
“The U.S. grows rich through wars; China grows rich through peace”—
encapsulates their central argument.
Panelists from the Association for Philippine-China Understanding (APCU) and allied groups joined the discussions, condemning what they view as the Philippines’ continued subservience to U.S. strategic control. They accused Washington of using operatives such as former U.S. Air Force officer Raymond Powell to shape public opinion and policy for American benefit under the guise of security cooperation.
Oligarchic Control and Domestic Corruption
The GNTR series also linked domestic corruption to long-entrenched oligarchic networks, asserting that power in the Philippines resides not in elected leaders but in economic elites who benefit from privatization and neoliberal reforms imposed after the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
They singled out business magnate Manuel V. Pangilinan as an intermediary of Western financial power and cited flood disasters in Cebu and the Visayas as examples of corruption and infrastructure mismanagement under the Marcos government.
Host Herman Laurel argued that corporations like Meralco, San Miguel Corporation, and PLDT operate as conduits of Western economic dominance. He claimed that successive post-EDSA governments deliberately dismantled nationalized industries in favor of U.S.-backed liberalization policies, sacrificing national control over vital sectors.
Criticism of President Marcos Jr.
Former Diplomat Ado Paglinawan accused President Marcos Jr. of “selling out” the nation by supporting U.S. military access agreements, aligning with the International Criminal Court (ICC), and presiding over economic mismanagement and rising inequality.
Rejecting the framing of current tensions as a feud between Marcos and Duterte, the panel described the situation instead as “the Filipino people versus the Marcos-Araneta-Romualdez mafia.” They alleged that the administration is marked by graft, policy failures, and the manipulation of anti-corruption rhetoric to consolidate political control.
The ICC Controversy and the Sovereignty Debate
One of the most heated discussions focused on the alleged ICC arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, which was later denied by ICC officials. The commentators lambasted Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla for prematurely publicizing the supposed warrant—calling his actions “fake news” and “an overreach.”
Ado Paglinawan and Joshua Pasion emphasized that any extradition of Filipinos to foreign jurisdictions must pass judicial review, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on constitutional protections. They reiterated that the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the ICC nullifies any authority of the court over Philippine nationals, branding government cooperation as a “betrayal of sovereignty.”
As one broadcaster declared:
“This is not Duterte versus Marcos anymore. This is the Filipino people versus the Marcos-Araneta-Romualdez mafia.”
The Catholic Church and Power Politics
The Catholic Church also faced withering criticism. Cardinal Virgilio David was accused of “weaponizing morality” against former President Rodrigo Duterte while turning a blind eye to deeper issues of corruption and inequality. The Church was depicted as historically complicit in Western imperialism, amassing wealth through banks, schools, and hospitals even as it preaches humility and poverty.
The hosts accused Church leaders of echoing Western propaganda, particularly in calls for a Truth Commission to investigate Duterte’s drug war. They contrasted the Church’s stance with the Iglesia ni Cristo’s nationalist independence, praising the latter for resisting Western and liberal political pressure.
Mainstream media, they argued, remains aligned with Western-oriented oligarchic networks, perpetuating bias and suppressing nationalist perspectives.
Public Resistance and Calls for National Awakening
The commentators warned of rising public outrage over corruption, foreign interference, and economic hardship. They cited growing support among nationalist and religious groups—particularly Iglesia ni Cristo—for protests, civil disobedience, and even tax boycotts should the government fail to address systemic corruption.
Some panelists suggested that Vice President Sara Duterte could lead a “transition government” if political and constitutional crises deepen, though she has publicly affirmed her adherence to constitutional succession. They reminded the military and police that their allegiance is to the Republic, not to any president.
Economic and Geopolitical Developments
The broadcasts drew a sharp contrast between China’s development model and the United States’ economic instability. China’s aid to flood victims in Cebu and its launch of the Fujian aircraft carrier were cited as symbols of peaceful progress, while the U.S. was depicted as facing a potential “AI-driven economic bubble” that could lead to another global financial crash.
Domestically, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and DPWH officials were accused of misusing billions in infrastructure funds. Rising electricity costs and the revival of EPIRA-related surcharges were denounced as anti-consumer policies benefiting foreign-linked corporations.
Business leaders such as Jess Varela of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce were quoted questioning the unequal trade privileges extended by the U.S., noting that allies such as Vietnam and Thailand enjoy zero-tariff benefits that the Philippines does not.
Rising Political Tension and Public Sentiment
The GNTR panelists predicted civil unrest by late 2025 if corruption, misgovernance, and foreign influence persist. They cited Pulse Asia surveys showing that only 4% of Filipinos prioritize the West Philippine Sea dispute, suggesting that the public is more concerned with corruption, disaster response, and cost of living than with geopolitical rivalries.
Listeners’ reactions featured prominently, describing the administration as “shameless,” “abusive,” and “disconnected from ordinary Filipinos.” The overall tone of the broadcasts urged citizens to reject political distractions, resist Western control, and reclaim national dignity through unity and awareness.
APCU’s Advocacy for Stronger Ties with China
APCU chairman Herman Laurel highlighted the group’s people-to-people diplomacy, including youth exchanges with China, to promote mutual understanding. He lauded Beijing’s “peace and prosperity” model as a contrast to the U.S.’s “war and profit” mindset.
“China is winning the economic war through development, while the U.S. profits from conflict,” said Ka Joshua Pasion.
They called for a truly independent foreign policy, urging the Philippines to align with Asia’s emerging multipolar order and warning that U.S. military bases could make the country a frontline target in future regional conflicts.
Conclusion: The Struggle for National Sovereignty
The GNTR series concludes that the Philippines’ greatest challenge is not a feud between political dynasties, but a struggle between the Filipino people and an entrenched elite serving foreign masters.
Their unified message resonates as both a warning and a call to action:
“Wake up, resist, and reclaim sovereignty.”
The program ultimately frames the nation’s crisis as a clash between Western imperial control and the rise of an Asian-led, multipolar world order, positioning President Marcos Jr. as aligned with Western interests while portraying China’s cooperative development model as the alternative path toward genuine independence.#
