The People's Alliance for Democracy and Reform (PADER), the Alliance of Filipino Kabalikat sa Demokrasya (ABKD), and the Liga ng Idependencia ng Pilipinas (LIPI) have issued a strong condemnation of China's recent assertion in Palawan, urging the Philippine government to take a firm and decisive stance in response.

Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, Chairman Emeritus of the PADER, ABKD and LIPI said that China's recent assertion that Palawan was historically part of its territory has sparked outrage, with critics dismissing the claim as both baseless and a violation of international law. 

He added that this move by Beijing directly contradicts the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity

"The Philippines must respond decisively with enhanced maritime patrols, a strengthened military presence, diplomatic protests, and deeper alliances with regional and global partners to counter China’s revisionist claims and expansionist agenda," Goitia emphasized.

He added that China's recent revival of claims over Palawan follows its long-standing efforts to expand its territorial reach in the South China Sea. 

He also said the Chinese government has justified its claim by citing ancient voyages and historical maps, alleging that Palawan, along with other territories in the West Philippine Sea, historically fell under Chinese influence but experts argue that such claims are easily debunked under legal scrutiny.

Goitia reinforced the legitimacy of Philippine sovereignty over Palawan, pointing to international law and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, which favored the Philippines in rejecting China's sweeping claims. 

"Palawan is an integral part of the Philippine archipelago. Under UNCLOS, which China ratified in 1996, coastal states have full sovereignty over their archipelagic waters, territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf," he explained. 

"Palawan’s surrounding waters, including the West Philippine Sea, fall squarely within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf, granting the nation exclusive rights over maritime resources, fisheries, and hydrocarbon reserves."

Goitia also dismantled China's claim that Palawan was once called "Zheng He Island." 

"International law does not recognize sovereignty based on ancient exploration or historical narratives but on effective control, governance, and legal recognition," he stressed.

He also pointed out that the 2016 PCA ruling explicitly rejected China's historical claims, reinforcing the need for claims to be grounded in established legal frameworks rather than reinterpretations of history.

The historical record overwhelmingly supports the Philippines' sovereignty over Palawan. Goitia cited several international treaties that reinforce the island’s legal status as part of the Philippines, including the 1898 Treaty of Paris, the 1900 Treaty of Washington, and the 1930 US-Britain Convention. Following Philippine independence in 1946, the Republic of the Philippines inherited full sovereignty over Palawan.

"Palawan is not just a resource-rich province; it is the Philippines' frontline defense against foreign aggression," Goitia emphasized. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, along with allied forces such as the United States, maintain a robust military presence in the region. Key bases, including Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (Ulugan Bay) and Antonio Bautista Air Base (Puerto Princesa), serve as critical points for military operations, joint exercises, and surveillance missions.

He warned the public that this move from Chinas aligns with its broader strategy to dominate the South China Sea, employing tactics like military intimidation, economic leverage, and diplomatic coercion.

"China has consistently disregarded international norms by constructing artificial islands, militarizing disputed areas, and harassing Filipino fishermen within Philippine waters," Goitia said, pointing out that such actions violate Philippine sovereignty and breach international law.

To counter China's increasing aggression, Goitia emphasized the necessity for the Philippines to reinforce its defense capabilities and assert its rights on the global stage.

Goitia is also the first nominee of the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP), a partylist representing firefighters and fire volunteers and members of the PADER, LIPI and ABKD.