Here's a bold idea: turn a disputed area in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)--one that's reportedly surrounded by Chinese ships--into the Philippines' own leisure fishing tourism site.
That's exactly the purpose of House Bill (HB) No.6228 filed by Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel.
The measure seeks to declare and develop the 37.2-hectare Pag-asa Island – the largest Philippine-occupied landmass at the northeastern section of the disputed Spratly archipelago – as a recreational fishing tourism destination.
“The ultimate purpose of our bill is to pave the way for Pag-asa’s development, considering that other countries claiming all or parts of the Spratly archipelago are also increasing their presence on the islands, reefs and shoals that they occupy there,” Pimentel said.
The veteran solon noted that China refers to Pag-asa as Zhongye Island, and that it is constantly swarmed by Chinese vessels.
Under HB No.6228, Pag-asa would be developed “into a thriving community by attracting both foreign and local tourists, particularly visitors inclined to engage in recreational fishing, including catch-and-release fishing".
The bill also seeks to “afford small fisherfolk supplemental sources of income from tourism-related activities, such as leasing their boats and services to holidaymakers, including visitors that may wish to fish in and around Pag-asa for leisure, exercise or competition".
Surrounded by shallow coral ranges, Pag-asa lies some 480 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, and has been occupied by the Philippines since 1970.
Pag-asa is the largest landform of the Kalayaan Island Group, which also includes the islets of Likas, Parola, Lawak, Kota, Patag and Panata, and Balagtas Reef, Ayungin Shoal and Rizal Shoal.
Pimentel is a stauncher backer of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, and served as chairperson of the House Strategic Intelligence Committee during the previous 18th Congress.