Senator Francis Tolentino on Sunday, March 24 slammed the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) warning on the Philippines “not to play with fire” when the government is defending the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

This, after CCG’s spokesman Gan Yun, issued a statement on Saturday, March 23 stating that the Philippines attempt to transport construction materials to its grounded ship at the Ayungin Shoal was a “deliberate and provocative” move and warned the government not to play with fire as it is an “invitation to disgrace.”

“So dito, nakikita natin medyo masama na yung statement ng China…parang sinasabi nilang iniimbitahan natin ang sarili nating mapahiya. E kabastusan na yung ganung salita (So here, we can see China’s statement already getting worse…it’s like they are saying we are inviting ourselves to shame. Such statement is rude),” Tolentino said in an interview on Radio DZBB.

“Dahil di namn natin layunin na hiyain kahit sino, lalo na ang ating sarili. Kundi magdala lang ng supply at gamit sa ating tropa sa Ayungin Shoal (Because we have no intention to shame anyone, especially ourselves. If we are just bringing supply and materials for our troops at Ayungin Shoal),” he pointed out. 

Tolentino lamented that the government has yet to heed suggestions to recall the Chinese ambassador in the Philippines which he has long been calling for.

Nevertheless, the senator said he believes the government can explore other means to thwart China’s dominance in the West Philippine Sea by considering strengthening its treaty and non-treaty allies like Norway, Netherlands and other countries in Europe and Latin America.

“Let’s consider entering a joint exercise or peaceful science marine research development in the area. Together with other non-allied countries,” he suggested. 

“They have a wide experience and knowledge in terms of science and development. Norway for example, is excellent in maritime exploration. Netherlands is also good in research and development,” he said.

“We can also tap other maritime countries far out, not only in Europe but also in Latin America,” he said.