Manila Bulletin
De Lima urges gov't to enforce mechanism promoting sustainable fishing ground off Zambales
De Lima urges gov't to enforce mechanism promoting sustainable fishing ground off Zambales
De Lima urges gov't to enforce mechanism promoting sustainable fishing ground off Zambales
Published Jun 23, 2018 07:41 pm
Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima has urged the Duterte administration to enforce mechanism that would promote sustainable fishing grounds off Zambales province and improve the plight of Filipino fishermen.
Senator Leila de Lima
(REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco / MANILA BULLETIN)
De Lima made the call after calling for an investigation into the reported harassment of Filipino fishermen by members of the Chinese Coast Guard in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal which is more than 200 nautical miles off Zambales. “The administration should champion the economic situation of our fisherfolk by standing up for their losses, enforcing mechanisms that boost their profit, and promote sustainable fishing in the disputed area,” she said in filing her Senate Resolution (SR) 766. “With fisheries being a major industry in the country, it is incumbent upon government to take positive action to preserve this trade and take a stand in protecting our fisherfolk from any untoward action,” she said. Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, located in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). \Concerns about the plight of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal were raised after a television report showed a mobile phone video of the Chinese Coast Guard boarding a Filipino vessel to take some of their catch. Based on media reports, the Chinese Coast Guard personnel have been habitually taking the catch of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal in exchange for noodles, cigarettes and water. In an interview, one of the fishermen said they were always defenseless and could not do anything every time the Chinese would check their containers and pick their best catch. The de Lima resolution stated that the Duterte administration should ‘’prioritize the well-being of its own people first before favoring yet again its foreign master that is China.’’ She reminded her fellow government leaders from the present administration that “upholding national interest is the essence of preserving democratic institutions. “While diplomacy remains an important component of foreign policy, government should unquestionably put the welfare of our Filipino fishermen at the forefront and be steadfast in asserting their rights at any circumstance,” she added. De Lima noted that the UN arbitration ruling invalidated China’s claim to almost the entire sea. The ruling also stated that both China and the Philippines have “traditional fishing rights” to Panatag Shoal.
Senator Leila de Lima
(REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco / MANILA BULLETIN)
De Lima made the call after calling for an investigation into the reported harassment of Filipino fishermen by members of the Chinese Coast Guard in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal which is more than 200 nautical miles off Zambales. “The administration should champion the economic situation of our fisherfolk by standing up for their losses, enforcing mechanisms that boost their profit, and promote sustainable fishing in the disputed area,” she said in filing her Senate Resolution (SR) 766. “With fisheries being a major industry in the country, it is incumbent upon government to take positive action to preserve this trade and take a stand in protecting our fisherfolk from any untoward action,” she said. Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, located in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). \Concerns about the plight of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal were raised after a television report showed a mobile phone video of the Chinese Coast Guard boarding a Filipino vessel to take some of their catch. Based on media reports, the Chinese Coast Guard personnel have been habitually taking the catch of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal in exchange for noodles, cigarettes and water. In an interview, one of the fishermen said they were always defenseless and could not do anything every time the Chinese would check their containers and pick their best catch. The de Lima resolution stated that the Duterte administration should ‘’prioritize the well-being of its own people first before favoring yet again its foreign master that is China.’’ She reminded her fellow government leaders from the present administration that “upholding national interest is the essence of preserving democratic institutions. “While diplomacy remains an important component of foreign policy, government should unquestionably put the welfare of our Filipino fishermen at the forefront and be steadfast in asserting their rights at any circumstance,” she added. De Lima noted that the UN arbitration ruling invalidated China’s claim to almost the entire sea. The ruling also stated that both China and the Philippines have “traditional fishing rights” to Panatag Shoal.