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A timely throwback given the Marcoleta–Hontiveros debacle: “Wala ka namang legal background” is neither new nor an effective way to silence courageous and principled leaders into submission. More than a century ago, at the Tejeros Convention that would shape the first Philippine revolutionary government, Daniel Tirona publicly questioned Andres Bonifacio’s election as Director of the Interior on the ground that Bonifacio was not a lawyer. As if a rigged election (or a lutong macau!) favoring Emilio Aguinaldo was not enough, Tirona still felt compelled to shame and completely marginalize Bonifacio so elite power could fully take over the revolution and displace the more radical Katipunan. And while Bonifacio’s courage, leadership, and sacrifice continues to inspire Filipinos today, history would remember Tirona unkindly. During the Philippine-American War, he surrendered to American forces— without firing a single shot— despite commanding one of the better-equipped units. He also ended up as a servant of the American officer to whom he had surrendered for a time, cleaning his shoes and serving his meals. A very different century, but nonetheless a familiar habit for those whose loyalty isn’t to the Filipinos. Then, the shameful cowardice of Tirona is finding powerful patrons in Aguinaldo and then the Americans. Today, some politicians seem to find remarkable comfort carrying water for interests far closer to Beijing and the main in jail in The Hague than to the Philippines.