Kalayaan vice mayor unfazed by China’s travel ban

A town official of Kalayaan town in Palawan shrugged off reports of a travel ban imposed by China, saying he considers it “long overdue” and of little consequence to its local officials.

Vice Mayor Maurice Philip Alexis Albayda said he and other town officials were reportedly barred from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau following a municipal resolution declaring officials of the Chinese Embassy persona non grata.

“Matagal na po naming hinihintay ‘yan. Since 2023 pa. Wala rin naman po kaming balak pumunta sa Hong Kong, Macau o China,” Albayda said in an interview on DZBB Super Radyo.

(We have long been expecting that. We have no plans to go to Hong Kong, Macau, or China.)

He added that if they were indeed among the 16 individuals reportedly declared unwelcome by Beijing, they would treat it as a badge of honor.

“Kung kabilang man kami sa ipinagbabawal o sinabing unwelcome, ikinararangal po namin ito bilang mga Pilipino dahil tumindig kami para sa ating bansa at sa aming bayan,” he said.

(If we are among those banned or declared unwelcome, we consider it an honor as Filipinos because we stood firm for our country and our town.)

The reported ban comes amid renewed debate in the Senate over the Philippines’ territorial claims in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is home to a functioning local government and civilian community.

Despite the controversy in Manila, Albayda said residents of Kalayaan remain in high spirits.

“Nakikita ng ating mga kababayan ang suporta ng buong sambayanang Pilipino, kaya natutuwa sila,” he said.

(Our fellow citizens are happy because they see the support of the entire Filipino nation.)

He also downplayed online criticism, saying many of their detractors appear to be trolls, pointing to their use of locked or anonymous social media accounts.

“May bumabatikos, pero kapag binuksan mo ang profile, naka-lock. Masaya ang mga kababayan namin dahil naririnig sila at napag-uusapan ang sakripisyong ginagawa nila para sa Kalayaan,” he said.

(We see criticisms from netizens, but when you open their profiles, they are locked. Our residents are glad that they are being heard and that their sacrifices are being discussed.)

Senate debate

Albayda also confirmed that the municipal council recently passed a resolution addressing statements attributed to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who had suggested that the Philippines might be better off “giving up” the Kalayaan Island Group to resolve the dispute with China.

“Naipasa na po namin ito sa plenaryo. Next week luluwas ako ng Maynila at personal ko itong dadalhin sa Senado,” he said.

(We passed it in plenary. Next week I will travel to Manila and personally bring it to the Senate.)

Marcoleta earlier challenged Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela to a “friendly debate” on the West Philippine Sea issue, suggesting the inclusion of retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal.

Asked if he would join such a debate, Albayda questioned its purpose.

“Magiging pointless po iyon. Bakit kailangang pagdebatehan ang existence ng aming bayan at ang sakripisyo ng aming mga mamamayan?” he said, adding that discussions on the Philippines’ territorial claims in the KIG could instead be handled directly.

(A debate would be pointless. Why should the existence of our town and the sacrifices of our people even be debated?)

Life on the frontlines

Albayda also highlighted the daily realities faced by residents of Pag-asa Island, the seat of Kalayaan municipality.

He recalled instances when transport to the island was halted, leaving residents with limited food supplies.

“May panahon na papaya ang ulam namin sa umaga, tanghali at gabi dahil walang mapadalang pagkain mula sa mainland,” he said.

(There were days when our meals were papaya morning, noon, and night because no food could be sent from the mainland.)

Despite these hardships, he said residents continue to stay.

“Pinipili pa rin ng ating mga kababayan na manatili sa Kalayaan dahil alam nilang may tungkulin sila,” he added.

(Our residents choose to remain in Kalayaan because they know they have a duty.)

Albayda also noted that Senator Robin Padilla had visited Kalayaan several times, even before entering politics, and helped secure funding for local infrastructure projects, including a school building and the municipal hall.—MCG, GMA Integrated News