Maintain diplomacy but explore options in West Philippine Sea issue –senators

At least three senators on Tuesday said that the government should maintain its diplomatic ties with China, but other options in resolving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) territorial dispute should also be explored.

In separate statements, the lawmakers reacted to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s remark on the West Philippine Sea during President Rodrigo Duterte's televised briefing Monday night.

Enrile said the Philippines stood to lose more should it antagonize China

“It’s one thing to be friendly and diplomatic, it’s another thing to be subservient and tikom ang bibig o nananahimik o nagsu-sunud-sunuran. China is the aggressor here,” Senator Francis Pangilinan said.

“China is occupying key areas in our exclusive economic zone. We are talking about 300,000 or 500,000 square kilometers that are now being threatened,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate Defense Committee chairman Panfilo Lacson affirmed Enrile’s view that the Philippines should “not abandon” its dealings or negotiations with China.

“Diplomacy should be our first, if not best, option. But neither should we disregard other options available, not only to finally resolve the West Philippine Sea issue, but to provide the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region,” Lacson said.

He reiterated that the Philippines should seek stronger military alliances with other “militarily powerful and capable countries” that may help the country while they advance their national interests in the West Philippine Sea.

“That said, it bears repeating that the initiative should come from a united Filipino people with a united stand - not the continued bickering that only the Chinese government will applaud,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said China has “encroached on our EEZ and has built military outposts.”

The lawmaker pointed out that China still plans to build more infrastructure in the area and it has destabilized the region apart from taking away the livelihood of the Filipino fishermen and other natural resources.

“We will have to work with our allies (US) and others who share similar interests and values of a rule-based order. It is in the interest of most nations to uphold our [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea] victory. We can maintain trade relations with China at the same time,” he said.

Debates on the West Philippine Issue were reignited after hundreds of Chinese vessels were spotted near Julian Felipe Reef located west of Palawan which is also part of the Philippine EEZ.

The Philippine government filed numerous diplomatic protests and demanded the withdrawal of the Chinese ships from the area. — DVM, GMA News