Realpolitik

"refers to politics or diplomacy based primarily on power and on practical and material factors and considerations, rather than ideological notions or moralistic or ethical premises. In this respect, it shares aspects of its philosophical approach with those of realism and pragmatism." - wikipedia

I voted for President Aquino because I hoped that he will be administer our country with principles. I realize that practical politics will make it hard for him or any president to do such a thing but I am still disappointed when they do it.

Today I learned that the Philippines will not attend the awarding ceremony for the Nobel Peace prize probably because of pressure from China

Beijing has urged diplomats in Oslo to stay away from the event, warning of "consequences" if they go.

Several of those who have turned down invitations are long-term allies or trade partners. The full list comprises Pakistan, Iran, Sudan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Iraq, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Venezuela, the Philippines, Egypt, Ukraine, Cuba and Morocco.

The sad thing is that the winner, Liu Xiabao, is jailed because of his pro democracy activities. If there is one thing this President should be supporting, is pro-democracy activists. I realize that China is a power that we as a country can ill afford to antagonize, but sometimes principles should stand for something.