Marcos has ‘last word’ on any legal action on WPS – SolGen

ANOTHER CONFRONTATION Images released by the Philippine Coast Guard, through the X account of its spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, show the extent of damage sustained by its ships after these were rammed by China Coast Guard vessels early Monday near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the “last word” on any legal action on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said on Tuesday.
Guevarra issued the statement after National Maritime Council (NMC) spokesperson Alexander Lopez bared that the government is “looking into” filing another case against China after its recent aggression at Escoda Shoal in the WPS.
“Any legal action that the Philippines may take in connection with maritime issues in the WPS will have to be deliberated upon by the National Maritime Council. In any event, the last word will always come from the President,” Guevarra said.
READ: PH looking into filing case vs China after aggression in Escoda Shoal
Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns Andres Centino said the addition of new members to the NMC, including the Solicitor General, already signifies the Philippine government’s “intent to consider filing a case.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday conducted a regular and routine logistics mission in the WPS. However, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels rammed two PCG vessels within the vicinity of Escoda Shoal.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: China’s latest WPS aggression may be due paranoia over Escoda reinforcement—PCG
China claimed the PCG vessels “deliberately” collided with a CCG vessel.
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