China’s intrusion seems to happen during PH political flare-up – solon

‘OVERKILL’ The China Coast Guard (right) does it again on Dec. 4, 2024; this time on the Datu Pagbuaya of the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. — PHOTO FROM THE NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

MANILA, Philippines — Why do China’s intrusive activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) seem to happen during political flare-ups in the Philippines?

La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V posed this question during a press briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex on Thursday. He was asked about an incident at Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday morning, where five Chinese ships harassed Philippine vessels conducting a routine maritime patrol in the WPS.

He said that while he does not want to assume things, China’s harassment of Philippine vessels in the WPS happened again after a long time without incidents.

READ: West PH Sea: Chinese ships fire water cannon, harass PH vessels anew – PCG

“Sometimes, some patterns are concerning; sometimes, there are squabbles here on land that are followed by maritime disputes. So is there a pattern of what is happening with the country’s political landscape? Is it connected, or somehow it’s still connected, especially if we have pro-China advocates and mouthpieces?” he said in Filipino.

“It’s hard to assume, but based on what we see, it seems to be what’s happening. It’s hard to assume, but honestly, sometimes, after reading the comments on social media and the articles online, you steer toward that direction,” he added.

Ortega did not mention an exact situation, but he mentioned a squabble between national political figures.

“Of course, we have to look at the greater scheme of things, not only the local politics, which feature minor squabbles. There are tensions over the global scene, particularly our issues with China. Our joint exercises with our neighbors and the US,” he said.

Pressed to clarify further, Ortega said he cannot help but think that China’s harassment is connected to national issues since there are politicians who side with China when tensions are high.

“When we have incidents on land, they are followed by maritime issues. So you can’t help but think if these are connected. Because when we had intense debates and press briefings on the WPS, we saw that many of our colleagues, other politicians, air their stand towards China,” he explained.

Over the past few weeks, tensions in the national political scene were high after Vice President Sara Duterte said that she had contacted someone who would kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez if she would be assassinated.

Duterte’s outburst came after she went to the House premises last November 21 to visit her chief of staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, who was detained back then.

Lopez’ detention was due to the House committee on good government and public accountability citing her for contempt for undue interference in the hearings.

READ: House panel moves to cite OVP exec Lopez for contempt

After leaving Lopez at 10:00 p.m. on November 21, Duterte went to the office of her brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, and locked herself inside.

When the House committee decided to transfer Lopez to the Correctional Institute for Women, Duterte hurled expletives at Romualdez and the Marcos couple before issuing her threat.

READ: Sara Duterte’s kill remark vs Marcos is ‘active threat’ – Palace

On December 2, civil society groups filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte. It was endorsed by Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña.

Two days later, Duterte was slapped with a second impeachment complaint filed by progressive organizations led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan. It was endorsed by lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc.

Aside from her threats, among the complaints against Duterte was the alleged misuse of the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when it was under her watch.

READ: Makabayan willing to work with Akbayan on VP Duterte’s impeachment