Senator Ralph Recto said Malacañang’s “no gloating” policy over an international tribunal’s favorable decision on the country’s protest against Chinese incursion in the West Philippine Sea “is the best tack because there is no need to amplify a decision whose elements are so loud and clear.”

“If the Palace is curbing its enthusiasm, then it is a mature and reasoned reaction which contrasts sharply to the tantrums thrown by other parties,” he said.

“We’re calm and collected. Compare this to other countries who are sending gunboats. What does this say? Let me quote a Chinese saying: ‘He who strikes the first blow admits he’s lost the argument’.”

Recto said there was no need for the Palace “to resort to theatrics to accentuate the obvious.”

“Tama lang ang posisyon ng Palasyo. After all, the decision had already sent shockwaves throughout the world. So I think it is letting the decision speak for itself. In my view, it did not mute nor magnify it. No need to spin it,” he said.

Recto noted that even former President Aquino, under whose auspices the case was filed, “was circumspect in his statement.”

Recto said he believes that “there is a post-decision plan by the Palace but it is economical in sharing it.”

“Which is right. You don’t telegraph your punches. You don’t unveil what you plan to do in Twitter installments. You keep your cards close to your chest,” he said.

Recto said he believes that the The Hague decision will embolden the Philippines to assert its settled claims over the territory in “aggressively diplomatic fashion.”

“Alangan naman na ikaw na ang nanalo and you are the one waving the white flag first. Right is on our side. And that is superior to might any given day,” Recto said.

“This is a long game. We have to dig in. This is a protracted struggle that will take years. Hindi ito collection notice na due and demandable kaagad. This requires skillful diplomacy. Ayon nga sa isang Chinese saying, “To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill,” he said.