Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday, April 28 slammed China’s attempt to muddle the truth stating that Sandy Cay belongs to the Philippines.

“China should stop creating drama,” said Hontiveros, in a statement.

“Sandy Cay belongs to the Philippines and no amount of island hopping of the Chinese Coast Guard will muddle the truth,” the opposition senator stressed.

Hontiveros’ remark came in response to China’s reported seizure of the disputed reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) earlier this month.

“The photoshoot gimmick and supposed planting of the Chinese flag on Sandy Cay is just another spectacle orchestrated by Beijing. No self-respecting State would take it to mean that China now has sovereign rights over it,” she stressed.

The senator stressed that international law affirms that Sandy Cay is part of the West Philippine Sea, noting that it is only about 2 nautical miles away from the inhabited Pag-asa Island.

“But since 2017, during the Duterte administration, no Filipino has been able to come close to Sandy Cay because of Chinese presence,” she noted.

Hontiveros said the government should take appropriate action to safeguard the country’s claim on the disputed reef.

“If we don't, this might even undermine our presence on Pag-asa Island,” she said.

“I trust that the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) will file a diplomatic protest and that the Philippine Coast Guard will conduct more joint patrols in the area,” she said.

She said China’s unacceptable behavior not only violates international law, but also further keeps Filipino fisherfolk away from waters they should have access to.

“If China wants to be a global leader, she should lead by example and act responsibly. There should be no unilateral changes to the status quo achieved by force, coercion, or outright aggression,” she said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada for his part said viewed China’s claims on Sandy Cay “a significant threat to national sovereignty.”

“We must firmly establish the truth behind China’s claims to Sandy Cay, as this situation poses a significant threat to our national sovereignty and security,” Estrada said.

“If these claims are proven to be unfounded, it is yet another attempt to distort the reality of the situation and spread fake news,” he stressed.

Estrada noted that the Inter-Agency Maritime Operation has already conducted a patrol in the area to affirm the Philippine maritime rights over Sandy Cay.

“We must stay vigilant and resolute in protecting our sovereignty and maritime rights. I urge our relevant agencies to clarify the situation and ensure that any actions violating our territorial integrity are addressed the soonest possible time,” he said.