No need for a third party in Recto Bank investigation – Panelo

BANGKOK, THAILAND - There was no need for a third-neutral party on the Recto Bank ramming investigation as long as the Philippines and China agreed on the results of the inquiry, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Saturday.

“You need a third party lang kung hindi kayo mag-a-agree,” argued Panelo, who was in Bangkok, Thailand for the 34th ASEAN Summit. “Kung mag-a-agree naman kayo, what do you need the third party for? What is clear is both parties will be investigating and share their findings. Kung pareho, nothing to discuss anymore.”

However, the government was still waiting for China to explain the dynamics of the investigation.

“The Chinese government offered a joint investigation,” said Panelo. “Tayo naman tinanggap natin. Pero baka iba ang concept natin ng joint investigation sa kanila, so we will wait for them.”

On June 9, a Chinese vessel rammed a Filipino fishing boat which was anchored on the Recto Bank. The 22 fishermen who were on board the now floundering Gem-Vir 1 were left adrift for hours until a Vietnamese fishing boat rescued them.

Panelo said investigators would interview all those involved in the incident, even the Vietnamese fishermen.

No compromise

Amidst criticisms that Malacañang was advocating for China rather than the Filipino fishermen, Panelo insisted that the government had yielded nothing to the neighboring superpower.

The government had always been firm that there would be no compromise, and that China would not control the investigation.

Aside from closure, Panelo said the government would also seek compensation, admission of guilt, and justification and an apology from the erring party.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte was expected to speak at the ASEAN summit on the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

It was not clear, however, if he would bring up the Recto Bank ramming.

“Sabi niya [Duterte] they will talk about the claims sa sea, the code of conduct,” said Panelo. “Parang ire-raise niya what right do you have to claim all seas fronting you?”

Former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary and incoming Taguig Rep.Alan Peter Cayetano, who was also in Bangkok said the president, said the president would push for the Code of Conduct on the West Philippine Sea.

“Itutulak niya dito sa ASEAN ‘yung COC, ‘yung code of conduct para hindi na mangyari ang mga insidenteng nakakasakit,” said Cayetano. — DVM, GMA News