
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros issued separate statements Monday, urging stronger government actions versus ongoing maritime intrusions by China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Both senators condemned the redeployment of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, or the so-called ‘monster’ ship, over the weekend. They sought a more decisive and united action to defend the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) against illegal Chinese patrols.
“As I mentioned repeatedly, the law is on our side to defend our rights,” Estrada said in Tagalog, citing the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which affirmed the Philippines’ exclusive rights in its maritime zones in the WPS.
He also recalled the Senate’s adoption of Resolution No. 79 on August 1, 2023, which condemned the harassment of Filipino fishermen and called for measures to secure the country’s EEZ and continental shelf.
“I think it’s crucial to take action now. We need a proactive, united, and sustained approach to protect our rights and ensure the safety and security of our people. The Philippines will not yield to coercion or intimidation when faced with challenges to our sovereignty,” Estrada added.
Hontiveros echoed Estrada’s concerns, describing China’s actions as disruptive and provocative. She reiterated her call for Malacañang to file new cases before international courts and strengthen alliances with nations that can jointly patrol the region with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“China is NOT starting the year right. Instead of keeping the peace in the region, she has chosen to create more disturbance,” she said in her statement.
“We must work on strengthening alliances with like-minded nations whose Coast Guards can patrol with ours. Together, let us show China that no ‘Monster’ ship can scare us,” Hontiveros added.
The PCG through BRP Teresa Magbanua has been actively conducting radio challenges to address the unlawful presence of the CCG vessels within the Philippines’ EEZ.
“The Chinese vessel has been kept at a considerable distance of approximately 95 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales,” PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said on Sunday, referring to the ‘monster’ ship.
“As highlighted in the PCG’s analysis of satellite imagery tracking the movements of the CCG vessels, it is crucial for the Philippines to persistently challenge their presence to prevent the normalization of their illegal activities,” he added.
*****
Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net