In the illustrious saga of the South China Sea disputes, the plot thickens with the emergence of the elusive “Gentlemen’s agreement” – a diplomatic unicorn attributed to various Philippine administrations faster than a game of hot potato. 

Like a clandestine handshake in a dimly lit room, its existence is as murky as the disputed waters themselves. With former President Duterte passing the buck faster than a hot potato, and now the Marcos administration allegedly joining the fray, one wonders if these gentlemen are more like chameleons, changing colors to suit the political climate.

China, ever the eager player, has stepped onto the stage, lamenting the breach of said agreement with the fervor of a spurned lover. 

But amidst the diplomatic tango, one truth remains: someone is fibbing faster than a toddler caught with their hand in the cookie jar. In this theater of the absurd, the only certainty is the audience – left scratching their heads, wondering if they’ve stumbled into a comedy or a tragedy.