(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
In a privilege speech Tuesday, Senator Francis Tolentino raised the possible ramifications of China’s Coard Guard Law to Filipino fishermen who are fishing within the West Philippines Sea, especially that China claims parts of it as its territory.
The law would supposedly take effect on February 1, he said.
“I worry for our fishermen coming from Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro and the rest of the eastern seaboard who will venture out into that coast, Mr. President,” Tolentino said during the Senate’s plenary session.
“Nakakalungkot po ito, Mr. President. Nakakatakot,” he added.
Tolentino noted that under China’s new law, their Coast Guard will be authorized to take “all necessary measures, including the use of weapons” when they think that their national sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisidiction are being “illegally infringed upon by foreign oganizations or individuals at sea”.