The Philippines will not back down from China's incursions into the West Philippine Sea as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continues to file protests against Beijing. According to DFA, the sighting of 26 suspected Chinese militia and coast guard vessels in the waters off Ayungin Shoal was...
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. welcomed the visit of Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to the Philippines, saying it would be an essential part of the country's response to China's actions in the West Philippine Sea. President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Australian...
The United States is supporting the Philippines in its activities in the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) as it noted that it is part of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) following China's recent and dangerous laser-pointing activity at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship traversing...
The West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea are all over the headlines again following China's increasing activities in the said waters. The two terms are not necessarily the same and interchangeable, though. And not everybody knows about it. So here's the difference. West Philippine Sea (WPS)...
FINDING ANSWERS Former Senator Atty. Joey D. Lina It’s often been said that doing the same thing again and again but expecting different results is sheer insanity. Thus, some people ask, do the hundreds of diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines against China reflect some semblance of...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday, Feb. 19, reaffirmed its commitment to ensure the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel is spotted near the Ayungin Shoal as the Western Command brings food and other supplies to troops stationed at...
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, February 14, said the use of military-grade laser on Philippine Coast Guard personnel at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by Chinese Coast Guard is “pure harassment.” “I will not elevate it to an act of hostility but it's pure harassment done by...
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday, February 14 slammed the China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for its claims the Philippine vessel at Ayungin Shoal was at fault for intruding on Chinese territory. In a press conference on Monday, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin claimed the...
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday, February 6 admitted he has qualms regarding the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and United States (US), saying he will study the latest development. “Masasabi ko, 50-50 ako dyan (I can say I am 50-50 in...
Senators on Friday, February 3 welcomed the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States (US) saying they see it as a means to help promote regional stability and cooperation. “We should always be bold in our decisions based solely...
The Philippines and United States have agreed to conduct joint maritime patrol operations in the South China Sea (SCS) to ensure peace and stability in the troubled waters. (L-R) United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr....
The China Coast Guard (CCG) has maintained near-daily patrol operations at several features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last year, a United States think tank revealed, as Filipino maritime security experts warned the government about China’s new political ploy to allegedly establish a secure...