Erwin Tulfo pushes WPS bill amid claims Batanes part of China

Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday questioned claims of Chinese scholars that Batanes is part of China’s territory even as he pushed for the passage of a bill that aims to counter disinformation surrounding the West Philippine Sea.

“Before, they claim that the West Philippine Sea is theirs, now Batanes is also their territory? What’s next? Palawan? Zambales Cagayan?” Tulfo said in a statement, as he criticized claims of sovereignty over Batanes made by Chinese scholars during a June 30 symposium, where they presented the northernmost Philippine province as a “natural geographical extension” of Taiwan, an island nation to which Beijing also claims.

Tulfo also pointed out the timing of the said claims, saying it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling in favor of the Philippines.

“It is ironic that we encounter this claim, in time when we just celebrated a decade of the Philippines’ victory at the 2016 Arbitral Ruling declaring that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is ours,” Tulfo said.

The senator renewed his call to pass Senate Bill 1625 known as “West Philippine Sea Education Act” which he filed and considers one of the proactive measures to repel disinformation about the country’s territory.

“We have to act fast in ensuring that Filipinos are not easily swayed by these kinds of claims. As early as Basic Education, Filipinos must be equipped with knowledge about the Philippine sovereignty,” Tulfo said.

“If this bill becomes a law, there will be age-appropriate instructions, anchored on internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, and Philippine laws integrated on learning materials,” he added.

Tulfo’s bill also mandates the Department of Education to carry out appropriate training for teachers and educators on WPS Education. For the neophyte Senator, being knowledgeable about the country’s territory is not only a matter of patriotism, but also a practical way to inform citizens on what is rightfully theirs, not only on paper but also when it comes to resources.

“Baseless claims that certain parts of the Philippines belong to other countries should not be given credence and must be repelled on all fronts. We will continue to stand firm, defend our territory, and protect what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people,” Tulfo said. —RF, GMA News