VICE President Leni Robredo called on her fellow Filipinos to assert our rights following the increased military presence of China in the West Philippine Sea, which belongs to the country.

Robredo was in Bacolod City Thursday, June 14, for the launching of Istorya ng Pag-asa Negros Occidental Photo Gallery at Vianney Hall in Bishop’s House.

In a media interview, the vice president reiterated that the Filipinos have the rights over Scarborough Shoal, as she cited the 2016 decision of the arbitral tribunal which is in favor of the Philippines.

She pointed out there is violation from China for their continued presence, “we need to protest in the strongest terms.”

She said protest action does not mean waging a war with China as the Filipinos are only asserting their rights.

Robredo said the country has to defend its rights so it can also get help from other countries in standing up against the mighty China.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte blamed former President Benigno Aquino III for not confronting China despite winning the arbitration case.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in July 2016 that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights over the bulk of the West Philippine Sea. The ruling invalidated China's nine-dash-line claim.

The arbitral ruling was issued on July 12, 2016, or 12 days after Duterte was inaugurated as president on June 30, 2016.

Duterte has refused to assert Philippine rights over the disputed area to "avoid misunderstanding" with China.