The Philippines under a Robredo-Pangilinan leadership will "fight squarely" for its territory and sovereignty, vice presidential candidate Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan vowed amid China's assertion of sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal.
"Walang paligoy-ligoy. Ipagtatanggol ng Leni-Kiko tandem ang ating karapatan, ang mga mangingisda at ang buong Pilipinas laban sa sinumang mananakop (No beating around the bush. The Leni-Kiko tandem will fight for our rights, the fishermen, and the entire Philippines against any invader),” Pangilinan, the running mate of presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo.
Pangilinan made the statement after China told the Philippines to respect its sovereignty over Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, saying that the Panatag Shoal is "China’s inherent territory.”
This came after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a China Coast Guard vessel suddenly approached and stayed approximately 21 yards from BRP Malabrigo which was conducting a maritime patrol operation in Bajo de Masinloc last March 2.
READ MORE: China claims 'respect' due to its ship sailing near PCG vessel in Scarborough Shoal
The aspiring vice president said China’s confidence in claiming Panatag is "a result of the Duterte administration’s kow-towing to China despite the Philippines’ victory in the international court."
“Sino ang nagpapasok sa China sa loob ng ating bakuran? Nagpapapasok ng kanilang smuggled na gulay? Nagbibigay ng bilyon-bilyong-pisong kontrata sa Pharmally ng overpriced at substandard na mga PPEs (Who allowed China to enter our territory? To bring in their smuggled vegetables? Who gave billions of pesos to Pharmally for the overpriced and substandard personal protective equipment)?” Pangilinan asked.
In July 2016, Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration released its decision junking China’s nine-dash line claim of the entire South China Sea.
Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, is an integral part of the Philippine territory. It is part of the municipality of Masinloc in Zambales. Located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, it is within the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Philippine Continental Shelf.
Despite the Hague ruling favoring the Philippines, China is refusing to recognize the ruling of an international court.
Earlier this year, Pangilinan urged the PCG and Navy to continue patrolling the area to ensure the safety of Filipino fisherfolk in this fishing ground.
Citing official data, the lawmaker said Filipino fisherfolk have since then earned much less due to harassment from Chinese vessels.
READ MORE: 'Intensify sea patrols, strengthen alliances to boost West PH Sea position' — Pangilinan