Mahal mo ba ang Pilipinas? Delete Tiktok


Nakakagalit at nakakalungkot. 

As I watched Joseph Morong’s TikTok video about the West Philippine Sea getting muted, my blood boiled. It was like a gut punch. Here was a vigilant journalist, trying to bring to light the truth about our waters, only to be silenced by a platform notorious for its ties to China. This wasn’t just about a video; it was about a blatant attempt to suppress our voice.

TikTok's Controversial Actions

Joseph Morong is just one of many vigilant reporters covering the West Philippine Sea. When his content was muted by TikTok, it wasn’t just silencing one man—it was silencing a nation. Filipinos everywhere reacted with fury and disbelief. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based company, has been under scrutiny for its data practices and censorship tendencies. This incident is just another addition to a long list of grievances​ 

China's Aggressive Tactics in the West Philippine Sea

China's behavior in the West Philippine Sea has been nothing short of hostile. From firing water cannons at our vessels to shadowing ships during joint patrols with the US, their actions are aimed at intimidation and coercion. They accuse us of stirring up trouble, but the truth is, China is the one violating our sovereign rights. Their disinformation tactics aim to shift the blame and justify their unlawful actions. What China is doing can be likened to a thieving neighbor who decided to claim a part of your own backyard and is the one accusing you of encroaching.

Just recently, the Chinese Coast Guard seized a shipment of goods intended for our troops on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. The incident involved dangerous maneuvers, resulting in injuries to our personnel and damage to our boats. This latest act of aggression shows China’s relentless efforts to undermine our sovereignty​.

Upholding International Law and Sovereignty

We have always stood by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea. Yet, China rejects this ruling, maintaining its unlawful claims. Our joint patrols with allies like the US are not acts of provocation but measures to uphold our sovereignty and ensure the security of our maritime territories​ 

Global and Local Bans on TikTok

Countries around the world have taken notice of TikTok's controversial ties to China. The United States, for instance, has banned it from government devices due to security concerns. India, once TikTok’s largest market, banned it entirely following a deadly clash with Chinese troops. Indonesia and Pakistan have also imposed bans due to inappropriate content. This global mistrust shows the widespread concern about TikTok and its parent company’s intentions​ 

Why You Should Delete TikTok if You Love the Philippines

If you love the Philippines and have a sense of national pride, deleting TikTok is a necessary step. Here’s why:

  • Data Privacy Concerns: TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has close ties to the CCP, raising concerns about your data’s privacy and security. Your personal information could be accessed by the Chinese government.
  • Censorship of Filipino Voices: TikTok mutes content from journalists like Joseph Morong, actively suppressing the truth and silencing critical voices.
  • Support for Aggressors: Using TikTok supports a platform that aligns with a regime encroaching on our sovereignty. Each interaction indirectly supports those threatening our national interests.
  • National Pride: Deleting TikTok is a stand against the continuous violations of our sovereignty and supports platforms that respect our rights and freedoms.

Pilipino Ka, Stand with the Philippines

China's deceptive tactics and aggressive maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea are a clear threat to our sovereignty and regional stability. By muting voices like Joseph Morong, they aim to control the narrative and suppress the truth. As Filipinos, we must remain vigilant and informed. We need to support legitimate actions that safeguard our sovereignty and engage in dialogues that promote peace and stability in the region.

Mga kababayan, it’s time to stand united. Let’s stay informed and support efforts to uphold our sovereign rights. Share your thoughts and reactions. Join the conversation and help spread awareness about the real situation in the West Philippine Sea. Together, we can make a difference and protect our beloved Philippines.

Magkaisa tayo para sa karapatan ng ating bansa!


The cover photo used in this article is borrowed from Inquirer. Joseph Morong deserves credit for his courageous reporting on the happenings in the West Philippine Sea. 

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