The chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, March 4, condemned China’s unfounded claim over Palawan through videos being circulated on Chinese social media.

Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Rachel Arenas maintained the Philippines’ full sovereignty over the island province--an indisputable fact, she said.

“China’s fabricated claims are blatant propaganda and an attack on our sovereignty. Palawan has always been and will always remain part of the Philippines. This is an established reality,” she stressed.

Claims on Chinese social media were patently false, historically inaccurate, and a blatant disregard of international law, she said.

A staunch advocate for the Philippine sovereignty, Arenas has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to strengthen the country's maritime security and territorial integrity. 

She is a principal proponent of the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law and the Maritime Zones Law, which clearly define the extent of the Philippines' maritime domain.

The lady lawmaker then urged all relevant government agencies to issue new maps in accordance with Philippine laws delineating and designating our maritime territory, political boundaries and other significant features within the territory.

Her suggestion is aimed at countering China’s excessive and illegal claim over Philippine territory, she said.