In the grand theater of international relations, where nations play their parts with scripted statements and carefully choreographed gestures, the expulsion of an ambassador can be seen as a dramatic climax.

However, as President Marcos contemplates the expulsion of the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines as proposed by lawmakers in the wake of the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea, one can't help but wonder: Is this a masterstroke of diplomatic finesse or a pointless act of political theater?

To begin with, the expulsion of an ambassador is a move fraught with symbolism, carrying the weight of a thousand raised eyebrows and diplomatic faux pas. It's the kind of gesture that might make headlines and momentarily satisfy the thirst for assertiveness, but does it achieve anything beyond a fleeting moment of nationalistic catharsis?

President Marcos, in his infinite wisdom, seems to believe that it is pointless to have Ambassador Huang Xilian expelled even as he reportedly said that he was upset by the envoy's remarks on the issue of Beijing's incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Some lawmakers have insisted that expelling the Chinese ambassador is the panacea for the current WPS tensions. However, one might argue that this is akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut — a flamboyant display of displeasure that achieves little more than stirring the diplomatic pot.

After all, what is the practical outcome of such a move? Does it magically alter the geopolitical landscape or compel China to alter its strategic calculus? The answer, unfortunately, is likely a resounding NO.

In the realm of realpolitik, where nations pursue their interests with unyielding determination, the expulsion of an ambassador is often met with reciprocal actions. It becomes a tit-for-tat game, a diplomatic ping-pong match where the ball is the relationship between two countries, and the players are armed with rhetoric and symbolic gestures rather than paddles. In this light, President Marcos' personal take on the issue seems to have valid ground.

On the other hand, one could argue that the expulsion of the Chinese ambassador might serve as a bold statement of Philippine sovereignty. It's the political equivalent of slamming a fist on the table and declaring, "Enough is enough!" In an era when strongman politics and nationalistic fervor often take center stage, such a move might resonate with a domestic audience hungry for displays of strength and resilience.