The Chinese Coast Guard’s blocking and firing of water cannon on local supply boats headed to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal last month will not trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the United States and the Philippines, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)...
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, the chairperson of the House strategic intelligence committee, said that the slated deep-water drilling in the Sampaguita gas discovery is expected to forcefully assert the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. “We are counting on Forum...
The House of Representatives approved on second reading on Monday night, Nov. 29, the bill declaring the maritime zones of the Philippines to firmly establish it legal rights to conduct social, economic, commercial and other activities in the covered areas. West Philippine Sea image House Bill 9981...
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Sunday said he would seek the opinion of international law experts when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee starts hearing the various measures that seek to enhance the country’s positions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). According to Pimentel, the...
Presidential aspirant Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday said he finds China’s demand for the removal of the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal “unacceptable,” citing the need to respect the rule of law. “I find this demand not acceptable. The Ayungin Shoal is part of...
Malacañang hasn't closed its doors to the possible refurbishment of the dilapidated BRP Sierra Madre, which has served as the Philippines' outpost in Ayungin Shoal for over two decades. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (Photo from Karlo Nograles's Facebook) This can be gleaned from the statement...
The government must be consistent in asserting the country's exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, a senatorial aspirant urged Friday, Nov. 26, saying that it's hard to hope from inconsistent stands made by the President. Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)...
Opposition Senator Leila de Lima said that the issue in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should be part of the top five platforms of presidential and senatorial candidates in the 2022 elections. The senator mentioned that this would prove their priority to protect national interests over their own....
Malacañang has welcomed the Supreme Court's (SC) junking of the latest petition for mandamus against the Duterte administration in connection with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue. President Rodrigo Duterte (Malacañang photo) "We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court dismissing the...
Fishers' group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) called out China's “rampant plunder and destruction of marine resources" as it "adversely affect more than 600,000 Filipino fisherfolks" during a protest in Makati City on Thursday, Nov. 24. (Photo from Pamalakaya...
The two civilian boats carrying food and other supplies for Filipino soldiers stationed at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) finally arrived on Tuesday morning, Nov. 23, but the journey was not as smooth-sailing as initially expected. This photo is taken aboard one of the two supply...
Senator Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson said Monday, Nov, 22 that his presidency would adopt a tough stance against China for bullying in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) anchored on the maintainance of balance of power in the area. Lacson, the presidential bet of Partido Reforma, said that while the...
