Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda, flag of China (Facebook, Unsplash)

The Philippines should learn to live with China, which has grown so much in terms of importance to the global economy. 

Economist-solon Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda had this to say amid the tit-for-tat between the Philippines and China, which gets heated from time to time whenever there's an incident in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

"For better or for worse, China has become much more important to the global economy than it was a decade ago. We must learn to live with each other and prosper together, even as we defend our territorial integrity," Salceda said. 

At any rate, the Bicolano favored President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'Jr.s approach in protecting national interests while dealing with regional power China. 

"The President’s approach of engaging in diplomatic talks while bolstering our military capabilities (we nearly doubled the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] modernization budget this year) is the right way to fight for our interests," he said. 

"It signals our intent for peace while ensuring that we are prepared to respond with strength if necessary," Salceda pointed out. 

Salceda chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means.