At a time of energy crisis and global conflict, asserting a claim over Sabah is not just inopportune, rather it is a reckless argument that is not given much thought.

Senator Robin Padilla recently called out President Bongbong Marcos in a Facebook post, urging the government to revive the Philippines’ long-standing claim over Sabah, formerly known as North Borneo and currently administered by Malaysia. The senator argued that the Philippine government should send emissaries to Malaysia to reopen negotiations on the territorial dispute. He also challenged Jay Tarriela, the Rear Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard, to demonstrate his patriotic zeal by supporting the country’s claim over Sabah, a move that has once again brought the sensitive territorial issue back into public discussion.

This reckless claim was asserted in the midst of the current problems being faced by the country, such as the rising cost of fuel and the looming shortage of oil brought about by the tensions in the Middle East. It appears to be a little out of place and untimely for Senator Robin Padilla to broach the idea of reviving the claim to Sabah in the midst of what many people consider to be a national energy crisis. The pursuit of ownership over Sabah, a region currently under Malaysian administration, could lead to yet another territorial conflict between the two countries, which may lead to yet another war.

Senator Robin Padilla may have acted with good intentions in proposing that Sabah be claimed as a Philippine state, particularly because it is believed to be an oil-rich region that, in his view, could help address the Philippines’ current energy concerns. Although this action may seem like a possible solution for the Philippines' energy supply issues, it is imperative that one considers the larger picture and the possible consequences of reviving the Philippine claim over Sabah. The Philippines, therefore, not only needs to consider the possible gains of this action, but it also needs to consider the possible diplomatic consequences. With an ongoing war in the Middle East already causing destruction and instability, the question now is whether the Philippines should risk adding another potential conflict to an already tense global situation.

This is not the right time to call for a territorial claim. If the Philippine government will consider the proposition of Senator Robin Padilla, it could bring more harm than good to the country, both economically and geopolitically. At present, the country is already experiencing a scarcity of crude oil supply for use in transportation and production. Engaging in a possible conflict with another country to assert a territorial claim will not only exhaust national resources but also jeopardize the lives and welfare of Filipinos.

Senator Robin Padilla stated in his post that “now is the time” to assert the country’s claim over Sabah. This may be true, but even if it is considered hypothetically, this is not the right time to call for a territorial claim. Now is not the time for energy consumption but for energy conservation. If a wider perspective is considered, asserting ownership over Sabah may require economic, military, and energy resources. Without careful and strategic planning, such an effort could result in wasted resources and further weaken the country instead of strengthening it.

The Philippines’ territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea remains unresolved to this day, continuing to strain the nation and place immense pressure on those at the frontlines. Filipino forces stationed along the borders risk their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty against external threats that are trying to challenge and assert dominance over what is rightfully owned by the Philippine nation. This ongoing conflict serves as a stark reminder of the human and national cost of territorial disputes, one that the country can ill afford to replicate elsewhere.

Considering this state of affairs, it is apparent that the Philippines cannot afford another issue on its plate considering that it has fewer tanks or weapons that it can utilize in going to war compared to China. The addition of another war that is on hand will place both the Philippines and Malaysia in the losing bracket. However, it is also probable that the claim over Sabah by the Philippines may be carried out in a peaceful manner with Malaysia on certain terms or agreements that both parties agree on. However, it is not likely that Malaysia will give up one of its states, especially an oil-rich state that is considered a major economic asset today.

Nevertheless, the proposition that was put forward by Senator Padilla is something that needs to be thoroughly and carefully studied and weighed in accordance with the possible long-term impacts it might have on the nation. Sabah is under the administration of Malaysia for decades now, and the revival of the long-standing claim of the Philippines over the territory of Sabah for the one-sided gain of the nation because of the issues in the Middle East is something that is not only hasty but also not well-thought-out, which might not only cause negative impacts on the nation's diplomatic ties but also the welfare of the nation and the people in it.

Creating war within war is not worth a dime in this economy where every cent counts in the name of survival. In the end, the revival of the Philippine claim over the territory of Sabah is not only impractical but also not worthwhile. With the country in a dilemma due to energy shortage, economic problems, and ongoing global conflicts, it is crucial for the Philippines to be strategic in managing its resources and taking care of its citizens. Spending too much energy and resources for a fight with unpredictable results would only undermine the country rather than strengthening it.

Now is the time for careful planning, conservation, and prudence—not for actions that could ignite conflicts and jeopardize the future of the nation.