Robin Padilla files reso urging PCO to increase public awareness on WPS issue

Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution urging the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to strengthen the public information campaign on matters related to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"It behooves the national government, through its communications arm, the PCO, to communicate to the public in an understandable way the relevant legal documents, international treaties, and bilateral and multilateral agreements," Padilla's Senate Resolution 864 read.

Among the legal documents that Padilla wants the public to be informed about are the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, and the Reciprocal Access Agreement.

He said these documents have become the basis of Philippine government's policies and actions on the issues surrounding the territorial dispute in the WPS.

While he wanted to raise awareness on the matters related to the WPS, Padilla said there are topics that may compromise the nation's defense and security. Thus, should be naturally excluded from any public information and awareness campaign.

In filing the resolution, Padilla cited Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez's statement where the latter noted that "the continuing tension between China and the Philippines over the WPS is far more serious than how people perceive it is."

"Coinciding with the seriousness of this issue is the risk of spreading propaganda, misinformation, and fake news with the advent of social media, which can greatly impact our pursuit of good governance and ultimately undermine democracy," Padilla said.

"As the nation's security landscape to evolve it is incumbent upon the PCO to provide clear, up-to-date, and accurate information on matters of public concern relating to the security challenges confronting our country," he added. 

GMA News Online has reached out to PCO for its comment on Padilla's resolution but it has yet to respond as of posting time. —KBK, GMA Integrated News