Letter to the editor: Reassuring government's efforts in asserting sovereignty in West Philippine Sea

OVER the years, the Philippines have stood up for its rights in the West Philippine Sea, adopting a "rule-based approach" -- its own strategy in dealing with the issue. The fact that the Philippines is calm does not mean that we have given up our rights to our shoals and islands. The Philippines remains calm, as it does not want trouble and violence, still hoping to solve the problem through legal options and the government has been prudent in handling the disputes.

The Philippines brought China to court to settle the dispute with an Arbitral Tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and won the case against China. The government filed a number of diplomatic protests against harassment by military and civilian Chinese vessels. Even in the midst of the pandemic, our government did not ignore the issue.

Apart from diplomatic action against China, the government has taken actions to assert our sovereignty, including the renaming of the South China Sea to West Philippines Sea -- an important step to clarify and point out that the portion belongs to us. The Philippine Armed Forces also reported that they were vigorously patrolling the West Philippine Sea and planted the Philippine flag on the disputed Scarborough shoal and infrastructure upgrades in Pag-asa Island. Not only in the western part of the country, but there are also military efforts in territorial defense here in North Luzon, particularly in Mavulis Island, where sovereign facilities and markers were being built.

Despite all our efforts, China did not recognize the arbitral ruling and continues to demonstrate its unlawful incursions in our WPS. China is aware of violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), but still they were so confident in claiming WPS and passing a law that allows their coast guard to fire on foreign ships. The passage of such legislation is unreasonable, particularly at a time of pandemic, when countries should be united to ensure peace and security.

While we have different opinions on the issue, we should not be divided, but rather unite to support the government in its efforts to assert our sovereignty and promote national interest. Our government respects the rule of law, which means we are on the right track. We hope that the rule of law will prevail and other claimants will abide.

Ann Perez

Masinloc, Zambales

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