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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider We won't give up WPS claim, Palace assures

We won't give up WPS claim, Palace assures

Published Aug 24, 2020 02:57 pm

Malacañang reiterated that the government will not give up even a single inch of the country's territory, including its claims in the disputed portions of the South China Sea.

(FILE PHOTO / REUTERS / MANILA BULLETIN)

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after China accused the Philippines of illegal provocations in the disputed waters, saying the Philippines has infringed on its sovereignty and security.

In his Monday presser, Roque reassured the public that the Philippines will not give up on the West Philippine Sea.

"Consistent naman po ang ating Presidente (President Duterte has been consistent), he will not give even an inch of our national territory or sovereign rights to any other state," he said.

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed a diplomatic protest against China for its illicit issuance of radio challenges at aircraft conducting regular maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea. The DFA likewise protested China's confiscation of Filipino fishermen's aggregating devices in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

While not having knowledge over the overflights in the disputed water, Roque said that Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Chinese fishermen are free to fish at the Scarborough Shoal.

"Diyan po sa Bajo de Masinloc malinaw po lahat tayo pupwede mangisda… 'yan naman po ay kinikilala ng lahat (Anyone can fish in Bajo de Masinloc. Everyone recognizes that fact)," he said.

"Siguro po opinyon ng Tsina 'yan (Perhaps that is China's opinion)… We maintain that it's part of our sovereignty or our sovereign rights," he added.

Roque said that the recent developments in the South China Sea should not affect the relationship between the Philippines and China.

"Hindi po magiging dahilan itong unresolved issue sa ating teritoryo bilang hadlang para isulong sa ating (The unresolved issue in our territory should not hinder our) diplomatic bilateral relations with China, 'yung mga bagay na pupuwede namang isulong, gaya ng kalakal at investments (especially on areas we can push for like trade and investments)," he said.

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