Escudero: Philippines must seek more ways to deal with China

FILE PHOTO: Sente President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. SENATE SMU

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis  Escudero said Philippine authorities must find other means to deal with China amid continuously rising tension in the West Philippine Sea.

The Senate’s top leader said they will ask for a full briefing from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) following the “alarming”  escalation of confrontation in the disputed waters.

He was referring to the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) June 17 ramming and towing of Philippine vessels near Ayungin Shoal that left eight Filipinos injured, including one soldier whose finger got cut off.

“In the meantime, the DFA should go beyond the filing of diplomatic protests each time an incident occurs, and must explore every means to conduct a meaningful dialogue with their counterparts from Beijing with the end in view of avoiding further escalation, without giving up any of our rights and privileges in our claimed territory vis-a-vis theirs,” the Senate chief said in a statement.

READ: China ships ram, tow PH vessels at Ayungin

“As our diplomats work to advance our interests, I urge our Armed Forces to explore alternative methods to deliver provisions to the Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal so that our troops are properly resupplied while minimizing the risks and achieving our desired objectives,”  he added.

But for Sen. Joel Villanueva, China has already gone too far.

“Sobrang kabastusan na po ang sunud-sunod na mga pambu-bully ng China sa ating mga kababayan sa sarili nating teritoryo,” Villanueva said in a separate statement.

(The consecutive bullying of China to our countrymen in our own territory is very rude.)

“Hindi na rin po uubra ang paawa epek at pa-victim nila dahil kitang-kita naman po kung gaano sila walang respeto sa loob ng ating sariling teritoryo. Klaro naman po na ang Ayungin Shoal ay atin,” he said.

(Their acts, as if they are the weak and the victim, will no longer work because it’s clear how disrespectful they are within our own territory. It’s clear that Ayungin Shoal is ours.)

READ: AFP chief: China Coast Guard used bolos, acted like pirates

Like Escudero, the senator also expressed alarm that China is becoming more aggressive with their attacks.

Villanueva then urged Filipinos to unite, while thanking the AFP as well as Filipino fishermen and civilians, for bravely facing the daily challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

At the same time, the senator expressed his full support to the Philippines’ request to the United Nations for an extended continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea.

“This proactive step not only solidifies our historical claim over the Kalayaan Island Group, but also affirms our commitment to adhere to the rule of law at all times, rejecting any form of bullying, intimidation or false narratives,” Villanueva said.

“This and all other incidents provide an opportunity for Filipinos to unite and assert our rights in the West Philippine Sea more strongly than ever,” he also said.