HOUSE leaders on Monday slammed China’s threat to arrest any foreign nationals trespassing in the South China Sea, asserting that China is actually the one trespassing in areas that fall under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EZZ).
“Kung meron mang lumalabag sa teritoryo, ito ‘yung mga Chinese. Nakakatawa, kung may unang lalabag dapat arestuhin nila ‘yung mga sarili nila, hindi ba? Dahil sila ‘yung lumalabag sa ating teritoryo,” House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun said during the regular daily press conference at the House of Representatives.
Khonghun lamented that China’s actions only escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which affects the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.
“Nakakalungkot dahil itinataas nito ang tension doon sa lugar at kaawa-awa rin ang ating mga mangingisda dahil karamihan naman ng mga nandoon, nagpupunta roon eh ‘yung mga mangingisda natin,” he pointed out.
Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez echoed Khonghun’s concerns regarding the challenges faced by fishermen in Zambales and Bataan provinces, emphasizing the daily dangers they encounter.
Suarez also questioned the presence of the Chinese in the WPS, saying that they have no rightful claim to the area, which falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Atin ‘yan eh. Ilang beses pa ba natin…hindi na kailangang i-memorize ‘yun eh. Sa Pilipinas yan eh, bakit ba sila nandiyan, hindi ba?” Suarez said.
Assistant Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V laughed off China’s threat and likened such an action to implementing the Lina Law, which pertains to squatting on someone’s territory.
Ortega emphasized that it is China that is encroaching on Philippine territory, not the other way around, citing favorable rulings and outcomes in cases brought before international bodies.
While acknowledging the verbal exchanges and word wars, Ortega cited the importance of avoiding escalation into conflict.
He reiterated the direction set by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to resolve the issue in the most peaceful and diplomatic manner possible.
“At the end of the day, ang direksyon po ng ating Pangulo ay ayusin ito sa pinakamaayos at pinakamahinahon na paraan, and, of course, madepensahan po iyong ating rights and soberanya,” Ortega said.
Assistant Majority Leader and Taguig 2nd District Rep. Amparo Maria “Pammy” Zamora said China’s recent threats might be nothing more than intimidation tactics.
She pointed out that China would likely violate numerous international laws if it pushes through with its plan to arrest alleged trespassers in South China Sea.
Zamora also emphasized the significance of freedom of navigation, affirming that Filipino fishermen have every right to navigate these waters.
She noted that should China follow through with its threats, it would not only face opposition from the Philippines but also from the global community, which overwhelmingly supports the Philippines’ position.
“Kaya po siguro magdalawang-isip po sila kasi hindi lang naman po Pilipinas po ang kakalabanin nila kapag ginawa po nila ito. Buong mundo po ang nakasuporta sa Pilipinas,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores pointed out the stark contrast between the approaches of the Philippines and China in resolving the issue in the WPS.
“It shows na sa atin dialogue and diplomacy, sa kanila threats and aggression,” said the chairman of the House Committee on Government Reorganization.
He continued, “These are two conflicting policies that both countries follow. Atin naman is like we will continue to exercise sovereignty over these areas and continue to exercise our rights. Sila naman, they’re going to continuously threaten and try to bully us into submission, and I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
Flores reiterated the Philippines’ determination to stand its ground, uphold its rights, and exercise restraint in the region to de-escalate tensions.
In response to recent threats from China, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua expressed concern over the safety of Filipino fishermen and coastal areas.
Chua noted the gravity of the Chinese threat and called for increased support for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“Ito pong threat ng Chinese ay isang nakakatakot na threat kaya dapat po bigyan po natin ng suporta ang [PCG] natin,” Chua said.
He added, “Maglagay po tayo ng auxiliary personnel. Bukod po dito, meron din po tayong PNP Maritime Group kaya dapat po bigyan natin ng suporta ‘yung Coast Guard natin para maprotektahan po ‘yung mga mangingisda at atin pong [teritoryo].”
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