Lacson lauds Locsin rebuke of China's West Philippine Sea claims

Senate Committee on National Defense Chairperson Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Friday praised Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. for recommending the termination of contracts with Chinese firms involved in the artificial island-building at the disputed territories in the South China Sea.

"Kudos to DFA Sec. Teddy Boy Locsin for putting the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman in his place," Lacson said on Twitter.

"Banning us from sending our military aircraft into airspace near Panatag Shoal surely deserves a strong rebuke. I’m proud that our top foreign policy implementer did it," he added.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian recently said the Philippines violated China's sovereignty and security by sending military aircraft into airspace adjacent to islands and reefs being occupied by China.

Malacanang, in response, asserted the Philippines' sovereign rights over the features in the disputed waters.

After the United States announced punitive measures against at least 24 Chinese companies involved in reclamation activities in the South China Sea, Locsin said he would recommend the termination of the country's contracts with these firms, if there are any.

"If I find that any of those companies are doing business with us then I would strongly recommend we terminate that relationship with that company," Locsin said.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino, said he supports Locsin's move as long as it is "in line with the President’s independent foreign policy pivot."

"The proposal of the DFA should be grounded not because of the recent US pronouncement but because it is in accord with our highest national interests," he added.

Aside from recommending the termination of contracts with Chinese firms involved in China's island-building activities, Locsin also warned Beijing to "expect the worst" should its military drills spill over to Philippine waters.  — DVM, GMA News