Presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Friday, Nov. 12 said he will not apologize to the Chinese Navy following his comments on the West Philippine Sea.
In his "Listening Tour" in Laguna on Friday, Domagoso clarified that his recent statements against China were aimed at Chinese soldiers and occupiers in the disputed waters.
He said that the issue has nothing to do with the Filipino-Chinese in the country as they are not the subject of his efforts to push back against Chinese incursion in the West Philippines.
“I’m pertaining to Chinese mainlanders, the ones occupying our islands. And I don’t care. I don’t sugarcoat. Those navy, those fishermen from China continue to occupy our space. We need not sugarcoat our words,” he said.
“The Filipino-Chinese know it very well that I am referring to those mainlanders," Domagoso added.
The Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer had earlier said he will expel Chinese elements illegally occupying the Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea.
“Now, if that offends them, I am offended because sinakop nila ang bansa natin,” he said.
The national government should be fearless in defending the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea to protect the rights of Filipino fisherfolks, Domagoso reiterated.
“We will be fearless and we will be fair. And we will be faithful to the Filipino people and fisherfolks."