Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday called on the Marcos administration to take a “sharper” position on the arbitral ruling which affirmed the Philippines’ territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Hontiveros made the call as the Philippines commemorates its sixth year anniversary of the Hague Tribunal’s ruling on the West Philippine Sea.
“I am calling on the Marcos administration to use its newfound influence with China to protect our interests. This is a chance for the leadership to take a sharper position compared to its predecessor,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
Hontiveros said any discussion of “shared prosperity” which will be developed using Philippine resources, must yield to international law and “our own constitution.”
“These should always be at the back of our government’s mind as it now attempts a ‘higher level’ of engagement with Beijing,” the senator stressed.
Hopefully, she said this new “special friendship” will put Filipinos first, unlike the previous administration.
“No amount of diplomatic relations should ever imperil our sovereignty,” Hontiveros pointed out.
“However, to this day, China has barely built any sort of foundation for good will, trust, or respect because of its refusal to accept the court’s authority regarding the WPS. Despite tremendous international pressure, they have not heeded the order cited in the Hague Ruling, and have, in fact, increased their violent and illegal presence in Philippine waters,” she noted.
The lawmaker further said those who promote illegal activities, such as the militarization of Philippine territory, must be held to account, pointing out that China’s naval exercises in the area have led to the outright bullying of Filipino fisherfolk and the loss of their livelihood.
“China’s unlawful and aggressive incursions must also stop, especially their addition of artificial islands in disputed waters. Mr. President, it is your duty to prohibit these operations,” she stressed.
She also pointed out that while the overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZ) at the WPS have been a perpetual issue in the region, this should “never be a reason to let the trail run cold.”
Hontiveros noted that up to now, the Philippine’s landmark case victory from the Hague Ruling “not only bolsters our case against China, it energizes all citizens to fight for our sovereignty.”
“Let us do right by our fellow Filipinos and show them why bullies never, ever, win,” she stressed.
“Dahil ngayon at bukas, ATIN ANG ‘PINAS! (Because now and tomorrow, the Philippines is ours),” the senator reiterated.