ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (Rep. Castro's office)

Makabayan bloc member ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro compared the Duterte administration’s handling of China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to the “Makapili”. 

This, as Castro placed the blame of China's aggression in the WPS squarely on former president Rodrigo Duterte's shoulders. 

"The Duterte administration's handling of China's bullying and incursions in the WPS borders on the traitorous that even now not even one of the Duterte family has condemned China's more aggressive attacks on Philippine vessels," Castro said in a statement Thursday, Dec. 21. 

Castro, a House Deputy Minority Leader noted that China has had its vessels collide with Philippine Coast Guard and supply vessels, fired water cannons and used long-range acoustic devices (LRAD) and military-grade lasers, placed floating barriers in Bajo de Masinloc, destroyed coral reefs, and repelled Filipino fishermen. 

“Pero ni maikling pagkondena ay walang nanggaling mula sa OVP (Office of the Vice President) o kaya ay kay dating Pangulong Duterte. Sa ganitong kalagayan ay parang may makabagong Makapili ngayon sa bansa," added Castro. 

(But not even a brief condemnation came from the OVP or former President Duterte. In this situation, it seems that there is a modern Makapili now in the country.) 

During Japan’s occupation of the Philippines, the “Makapili” were known as collaborators who provided military aid and intelligence to the Imperial Japanese Army. 

Duterte was Philippine president from 2016 to 2022. His daughter, Sara Duterte, is the incumbent vice president. 

Castro’s statement came after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned his Philippine counterpart that Manila “must act with caution” following maritime clashes in the WPS. 

"We would like to reiterate to the Chinese Foreign Ministry that no country in the world aside from China recognizes its right to the [WPS]. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling on the South China Sea Arbitration is the one recognized by the world. It is China's claim that is 'illegal, null and void,” Castro said. 

The teacher-solon said that China is intruding into Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

"China should wake up from its delusion and face reality. The Philippines has every right to protect its territorial integrity and ensure the welfare of its people. China has no right to dictate our actions within our own territory,” she added. 

Castro has called on the Marcos administration to assert the country’s sovereignty and safeguard the rights of Filipino fisherfolk in Scarborough Shoal. 

She also sought diplomatic action on the part of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to address China's baseless accusations. 

"We must stand firm against China's attempts to undermine our sovereignty. The Philippine government must prioritize the welfare and interests of our people, especially our fisherfolk who heavily rely on the resources in Scarborough Shoal," she stressed. 

Castro has also called on the international community to condemn China's actions and support the Philippines in upholding its territorial rights. 

"Again we urge our fellow nations to stand with us in defending our sovereignty and asserting our rights. Together, we can send a strong message to China that their aggressive claims have no basis and will not be tolerated," she noted.