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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Hundreds stage protest outside Chinese Consulate vs nature reserve plan in WPS

Hundreds stage protest outside Chinese Consulate vs nature reserve plan in WPS

Published Oct 22, 2025 12:29 pm

Hundreds of protesters trooped to the Chinese Consulate in Makati City on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to call for a stop to China's aggression toward Filipino fishermen and demanded the country to stop its unlawful incursions and environmental destruction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), including the Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal).

Protesters march toward the Chinese Consulate in Makati City on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to demand Beijing to stop its nature-reserve plan in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). (Photo from Akbayan Partylist)
Protesters march toward the Chinese Consulate in Makati City on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to demand Beijing to stop its nature-reserve plan in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). (Photo from Akbayan Partylist)

In their radio challenge during the protest, Akbayan Party and the Atin Ito Coalition condemned Beijing’s recent claim that the shoal is part of its so-called “nature reserve,” arguing that it is only meant to “reserve” it for China’s exploitation and control, which is a blatant distortion and violation of international law and Philippine sovereignty.

“Nature reserve? More like Chinese occupation of the WPS. Hindi na bumebenta ang mga kasinungalingan ng China (China's lies are not working anymore)," Akbayan President and Atin Ito Convenor Rafaela David said.

“They cannot hide their malevolent intent in the guise of environmental protection. You cannot claim to be protecting marine life while destroying our marine resources and harassing Filipino fisherfolk. The hypocrisy is staggering," she added.

David stressed that China's continued activities and militarization in the West Philippine Sea are illegal, violating the 2016 Arbitral Award and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064). 

"To the People’s Republic of China—this is a message from the sovereign citizens of the Republic of the Philippines. Cease your unlawful aggression within our Exclusive Economic Zone. Your illegal activities endanger not only Filipino lives but also the lives of your own people as you continue to damage our marine life and resources. The Panatag Shoal is not yours to claim; it is ours to protect," David stressed.

The protesters also condemned Filipino politicians who continue to side with China.

The groups vowed to sustain public pressure and strengthen solidarity with Filipino fisherfolk in defending national sovereignty and environmental justice.

Related Tags

AKBAYAN PARTYLIST ATIN ITO COALITION WPS PANATAG SHOAL CHINA NATURE RESERVE METRO NEWS MAKATI CITY CHINESE CONSULATE
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