Robredo hits Duterte for downplaying Philippines' arbitral tribunal win vs China

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday slammed President Rodrigo Duterte for downplaying the Philippines' arbitral tribunal victory in 2016 against China's massive claims in the West Philippine Sea.

In her weekly radio show, Robredo said Duterte's recent remarks in which he said the tribunal victory was just paper fit to be thrown in the trash was irresponsible as the issue was of serious concern.

"Seryoso iyon kasi ano iyon eh, kasarinlan natin saka sovereignty iyong pinag-uusapan dito, na hindi mo puwedeng i-take lightly iyong naging desisyon, kasi kaya tayo umabot sa ganoong punto dahil sa mga pag-aari natin. Napakalaking win iyon sa atin eh. Iyon iyong number one," the vice president said.

(This is a serious matter because we're talking about sovereignty here. You can't take that lightly... That was a big win for us. That's the first thing.)

"Number two na serious iyong aking concern ay iyong sinabi niya iyong China ang may possession ng West Philippine Sea. Hindi iyon totoo," she added.

(Secondly, his statement that China owns the West Philippine Sea is not true.)

Robredo reiterated that the issue should be taken seriously as it goes beyond their term.

"Beyond iyon sa amin, kasi kami, lilipas lang kami eh. Gustong sabihin iyong termino namin ay next year tapos na. Pero iyong isyu na sinabi ay sa bansa natin iyon. Long after wala na kami, mahalaga pa din iyon para sa Pilipinas. Kaya para sa akin, kailangan ito i-take seriously," she said.

(This has long-term implications because our term ends next year but the issue will remain important even long after we're gone. This should be taken seriously.)

Several lawmakers also condemned Duterte's remarks, saying it was insensitive.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its massive claim before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Philippines won the case in a landmark award in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions.

This ruling was never honored by China as it continues its activities in the resource-rich region and its vessels refuse to leave the area.

The Philippine government has lodged diplomatic protests against China over its intrusions in the West Philippine Sea. — DVM, GMA News