SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday condemned China’s recent activities at Sandy Cay, affirming that no fabricated display can undermine the Philippines’ legitimate sovereignty over its territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“I strongly denounce the latest actions of the China Coast Guard in and around Sandy Cay, an area well within the Philippines’ EEZ and unquestionably part of Philippine sovereignty,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“The Filipino people will not be bullied in our own backyard. Team Pilipinas tayo!” Speaker Romualdez said.
The House leader pointed to China’s deployment of personnel and the unfurling of a Chinese flag on Sandy Cay, describing it as nothing more than a misleading show. He asserted that Sandy Cay belongs to the Filipino people, not to those who violate international law to stage desperate displays of dominance.
“The deployment of Chinese personnel to Sandy Cay, their unfurling of a Chinese flag, and their so-called ‘inspection’ activities are nothing more than desperate and cheap stunts, an orchestrated spectacle meant to mislead and bolster their illegitimate claims,” Speaker Romualdez stated.
He reminded the public that Sandy Cay lies just four nautical miles from Pag-asa Island and has always been under Philippine jurisdiction.
“Let me be clear: Sandy Cay, located just 4 nautical miles from our own Pag-asa Island, is Philippine territory. We have continuously and effectively exercised jurisdiction over it. The 2016 Arbitral Award has already invalidated China’s sweeping and baseless claims across the South China Sea, including Sandy Cay,” Speaker Romualdez noted.
In light of these developments, Speaker Romualdez noted the swift action of Philippine authorities in affirming the country’s presence in the area.
“In response to these provocative actions, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) conducted a coordinated Inter-Agency Maritime Operation (IAMO) on April 27, 2025, covering Pag-asa Cay 1, Cay 2, and Cay 3, along with their surrounding waters,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.
He emphasized that the IAMO operation was conducted lawfully by Philippine forces.
“This operation – carried out by the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group – demonstrates the Philippines’ lawful, routine, and rightful exercise of sovereignty over our waters and features,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He echoed the stance of the NTF-WPS that such operations are part of the country’s peaceful assertion of its maritime rights.
“The NTF-WPS emphasized – and I reiterate – that this is a routine inter-agency operation reinforcing the Philippine Government’s unwavering commitment to uphold our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. We will continue to safeguard our maritime domain, adhere to international law, and work toward maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Speaker Romualdez explained.
He issued a sharp message to Beijing, demanding a halt to its aggressive maneuvers.
“I call on China: Cease these reckless provocations. Respect international law. Stop these cheap stunts,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.
Despite China’s recent actions, the Congress leader said the Philippines remains resolute and united in its defense of national sovereignty.
“The Philippines stands firm, ready and united in defending what is ours: through peaceful, principled and lawful means,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He vowed that the House of Representatives will fully support the efforts of the Executive branch and security forces to defend Philippine territory.
“The House of Representatives will continue to support all efforts by the Executive branch, our armed forces, and our law enforcement agencies to protect our people, our territory, and our future,” Speaker Romualdez declared.
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