Gov't must demand reparation from China for 'destructive activities' in WPS —Hontiveros

Reparation must be demanded from the Chinese government for its alleged ecologically destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea, Senator Risa Hontiveros reiterated Monday.

Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 369 to cement her stand that China owes the Philippine government around P200 billion for damaging 1,850 hectares reef ecosystems in Panatag and the Spratly Islands since 2013.

She explained that the annual damage caused by China amounts to at least P33 billion, based on a 2012 study published in the international journal Ecosystem Services, in which the value per hectare of a coral reef was pegged at $353,429.

“China’s sense of entitlement to our seas has caused severe and irreparable harm to our ecosystems. Hindi tayo kolonya, kaya panahon nang singilin ng gobyerno ang Tsina,” Hontiveros said.

The senator underscored that the said reparation could bolster the country's fund to address the COVID-19 crisis.

“I urge the government to put Filipinos’ interest first. Mga Pilipino muna, bago ang feelings ng China," she added.

Last week, the Chinese embassy in Manila called out the senator's remarks that China should shoulder the Philippine government’s expenses in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

"China and the Philippine are working closely to fight the common threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this trying time, it is ridiculously absurd and irresponsible to make such remarks for the sole purpose of catching eyeballs and for selfish political gains," the Chinese Embassy said in a statement.

"China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors across the sea," it added.

A music video titled "Iisang Dagat," showcasing the help that the Philippines received from the government of China in response to the COVID-19 threat, was also released by the embassy.

China and the Philippines are both involved in territorial disputes in some parts of the South China Sea.

In 2016, the Philippines won against China in a ruling by an international tribunal that invalidated Beijing’s massive claims in the resource-rich waters.—AOL, GMA News