Senator Erwin Tulfo renewed his call on Sunday, July 12 for Congress to expedite the passage of Senate Bill No. 1625 or the proposed “West Philippine Sea Education Act” to repel other nation’s claims of ownership on the country’s territories.

Tulfo made the call as he again denounced the claims of Chinese scholars that Batanes is part of China’s territory.

“Before, they claim that the West Philippine Sea is theirs, now Batanes is also their territory? What’s next? Palawan? Zambales Cagayan?” Tulfo warned, blasting the claims of sovereignty over Batanes made by Chinese scholars during a June 30 symposium.

During that conference, the Chinese scholars claimed that the northern Philippine province is a “natural geographical extension” of Taiwan.

Tulfo pointed out the notable timing of the said claims coincides with the 10th anniversary of the historic 2016 Arbitral Ruling in favor of the Philippines.

“It is ironic that we encounter this claim, in time when we just celebrated a decade of the Philippines’ victory at the 2016 Arbitral Ruling declaring that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is ours,” he stressed.

Tulfo said he believes passage of the bill into law would help deter disinformation about the country’s West Philippine Sea and ensure that Filipinos won’t easily be swayed by such claims.

The measure also mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to carry out appropriate training for teachers and educators on WPS Education.

“We have to act fast in ensuring that Filipinos are not easily swayed by these kinds of claims. As early as Basic Education, Filipinos must be equipped with knowledge about the Philippine sovereignty,” the lawmaker remarked.

“If this bill becomes a law, there will be age-appropriate instructions, anchored on internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, and Philippine laws integrated on learning materials,” he further emphasized.

Tulfo reiterated that being knowledgeable about the country’s territory is not only a matter of patriotism, but also a practical way to inform citizens on what is rightfully theirs, not only on paper but also when it comes to resources.

“Baseless claims that certain parts of the Philippines belong to other countries should not be given credence and must be repelled on all fronts. We will continue to stand firm, defend our territory, and protect what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people,” Tulfo said.