FILE PHOTO: Sente President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. SENATE SMU
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero stated Philippine authorities should discover different means to take care of China amid repeatedly rising pressure within the West Philippine Sea.
The Senate’s high chief stated they may ask for a full briefing from the Division of Overseas Affairs (DFA) following the “alarming” escalation of confrontation within the disputed waters.
He was referring to the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) June 17 ramming and towing of Philippine vessels close to Ayungin Shoal that left eight Filipinos injured, together with one soldier whose finger acquired lower off.
“Within the meantime, the DFA ought to transcend the submitting of diplomatic protests every time an incident happens, and should discover each means to conduct a significant dialogue with their counterparts from Beijing with the tip in view of avoiding additional escalation, with out giving up any of our rights and privileges in our claimed territory vis-a-vis theirs,” the Senate chief stated in a press release.
READ: China ships ram, tow PH vessels at Ayungin
“As our diplomats work to advance our pursuits, I urge our Armed Forces to discover different strategies to ship provisions to the Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in order that our troops are correctly resupplied whereas minimizing the dangers and reaching our desired targets,” he added.
However for Sen. Joel Villanueva, China has already gone too far.
“Sobrang kabastusan na po ang sunud-sunod na mga pambu-bully ng China sa ating mga kababayan sa sarili nating teritoryo,” Villanueva stated in a separate assertion.
(The consecutive bullying of China to our countrymen in our personal territory could be very impolite.)
“Hindi na rin po uubra ang paawa epek at pa-victim nila dahil kitang-kita naman po kung gaano sila walang respeto sa loob ng ating sariling teritoryo. Klaro naman po na ang Ayungin Shoal ay atin,” he stated.
(Their acts, as if they’re the weak and the sufferer, will now not work as a result of it’s clear how disrespectful they’re inside our personal territory. It’s clear that Ayungin Shoal is ours.)
READ: AFP chief: China Coast Guard used bolos, acted like pirates
Like Escudero, the senator additionally expressed alarm that China is turning into extra aggressive with their assaults.
Villanueva then urged Filipinos to unite, whereas thanking the AFP in addition to Filipino fishermen and civilians, for bravely dealing with the day by day challenges within the West Philippine Sea.
On the similar time, the senator expressed his full assist to the Philippines’ request to the United Nations for an prolonged continental shelf within the West Philippine Sea.
“This proactive step not solely solidifies our historic declare over the Kalayaan Island Group, but in addition affirms our dedication to stick to the rule of regulation always, rejecting any type of bullying, intimidation or false narratives,” Villanueva stated.
“This and all different incidents present a chance for Filipinos to unite and assert our rights within the West Philippine Sea extra strongly than ever,” he additionally stated.