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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gonzales says diplomatic protests vs China aren't useless; here's why

Gonzales says diplomatic protests vs China aren't useless; here's why

Published Mar 6, 2024 10:09 am

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali "Boyet" Gonzales II explained Wednesday, March 6 that diplomatic protests serve a crucial purpose in safeguarding the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

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Mandaluyong City lone district Rep. Neptali Gonzales II (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

House Deputy Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali "Boyet" Gonzales II explained Wednesday, March 6 that diplomatic protests serve a crucial purpose in safeguarding the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

While these diplomatic actions may fall in China’s deaf ears, Gonzales insists that they are ultimately proof of the Philippines’ unyielding resiliency to protect its territory.

“Baka ang sa atin…parang nagi-give-up na tayo dahil hindi naman tayo pinapansin so tigil na lang natin. But the importance is, it is a continuing show that we have not surrendered our stand in the [WPS],” he said in a press briefing.

(Maybe ours...it's like we're giving up because we're not being acknowledged so let's just stop.)

Gonzales, who chairs the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea, underscored that the country does not anymore exert “claim” over the disputed waters since, as far as the government is concerned, the Philippines owns the features in the WPS.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) upheld in a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the WPS.

However, China has continued its intrusions into the waters, on top of driving away Filipino fishermen and vessels.

Gonzales said China's aggressive tactics has opened the eyes of other countries and pushed them to help the Philippines in its goal to assert its sovereignty.

“Kaya marami na ngayong pumapasok na mga (That's why many nations are now entering the) security arrangements with our country. In Australia, our President is there, ang Japan nagsoshow ng interest (Japan is showing interest) and other European countries,” the veteran lawmaker said.

“As I’ve said, kasi pinoprotektahan din nila yung interest sila (because they are also protecting their interest), interest of their navigation in that area,” he added.

During a speech directed to Australia’s Parliament, President Marcos emphasized that the Philippines will not allow any foreign power to take “even one square inch” of its territory.

Related Tags

neptali boyet Gonzales II diplomatic protests China west philippine sea
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