Romualdez: Fight for West PH Sea is battle for survival

The Philippines’ fight for its legal claim in the West Philippine Sea is "a battle for survival," according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“Hindi tayo papayag na maging dehado sa sarili nating dagat. Hindi tayo magpapatalo sa sariling teritoryo. The West Philippine Sea is not just a political issue; it is a national cause, a matter of survival, dignity, and sovereignty,” Romualdez said.

(We won’t allow our country to be at risk within our own seas. We will not back down in our territory.)

Romualdez made the statement during the ceremony for his promotion as Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday.

During the event, Romualdez lauded the Coast Guard for its efforts as the country’s first line of defense in the face of aggression, intimidation, and illegal incursions by foreign vessels.

“Your bravery, your discipline, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our maritime territory define the true essence of patriotism,” said Romualdez in front of PCG officials led by Admiral Ronnie Gavan and Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez.

(As long as the Coast Guard is there, our seas will never be invaded by other countries.)

“In the halls of Congress, we work to ensure that the policies we craft strengthen our maritime defense, support our uniformed personnel, and assert our rightful claims in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

Romualdez also thanked the Coast Guard for his promotion to its Auxiliary branch.

“To my fellow officers and members of the PCGA, I look forward to working alongside all of you, not just in title, but in action. In these times of great uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the defense of our sovereignty is not just the duty of a select few, it is the responsibility of every Filipino,” said Romualdez.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Just a few days ago, the China Coast Guard said it monitored a Philippine civilian boat delivering daily provisions to the "illegally grounded" warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

The China Coast Guard said China urges the Philippines to honor its commitments, stop hyping up incidents in the area, and work with China to manage the maritime situation.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. —VAL, GMA Integrated News