A House leader on Friday called on Filipino voters to demand clear and firm positions from senatorial candidates—especially those aligned with former President Rodrigo Duterte—on the Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stressing that national sovereignty is at stake in the upcoming elections.
House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun said candidates must be transparent about their stand on the continuous harassment of Filipino fishermen and military personnel in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Ang tanong ng ating mga kababayan ay simple: Kakampi ba kayo ng Pilipino o kakampi kayo ng China? Hindi pwedeng magpalusot o umiwas. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable. Itanong po natin iyan sa lahat ng senatorial candidates, lalo na sa mga kandidato ni dating Pangulong Duterte,” Khonghun said.
He emphasized that national security and territorial integrity must be at the forefront of public discourse, especially as China continues its aggressive actions in Philippine waters.
“Hindi ito usaping pang-partido o panig-panig. Dapat malinaw sa bawat kandidato kung handa silang ipaglaban ang ating bansa,” he added.
“Kung ngayon pa lang, hindi na natin marinig ang boses nila laban sa pang-aapi sa ating mga mangingisda at sundalo, paano pa kapag nahalal na sila?” Khonghun said.
The Zambales leader urged voters to demand concrete policy positions from senatorial candidates, particularly on:
– China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen and the Philippine Coast Guard
– The militarization of maritime features in the WPS
– Strengthening alliances with other nations for maritime security
– Government support for Filipino fisherfolk affected by WPS tensions
“Kailangan nating malaman kung sino ang tunay na para sa Pilipino. Hindi pwedeng puro pangakong walang laman,” he added.
As a House leader, Khonghun reaffirmed the lower chamber’s commitment to defending Philippine sovereignty, noting that Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has consistently pushed for stronger national defense and maritime security policies.
“The next batch of senators must be ready to legislate and defend our territorial integrity. The people deserve to know where they stand before they cast their votes,” he said.
He also vowed to continue working with fellow lawmakers to craft policies that will bolster the country’s maritime defense, provide aid to communities affected by WPS tensions, and uphold the rights of Filipinos in disputed waters.
“Hindi tayo pwedeng sumuko o manahimik sa harap ng pambu-bully ng China. We are a nation of warriors, and we will not back down,” he stressed.
Khonghun called on voters to be vigilant and discerning in the upcoming elections, reminding them that their choices will shape the country’s future.
“Walang puwang sa Senado ang sino mang takot o kumikiling sa China. Gamitin natin ang ating boto para sa mga kandidatong tunay na magtatanggol sa ating bayan,” he said.
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