A look back at the PNoy administration bworldonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bworldonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Senators Grace Poe and Imee Marcos
“The West Philippine Sea is ours. It is incumbent upon the government to defend and preserve every inch of the territory of the Filipino people,” Poe said in a statement.
“Our government must come on strong and true to defend and protect our EEZ. It is its sworn duty to stand up against all acts that are inimical to the highest interest of our country and people,” she appealed.
Poe said the government should specifically protect Filipino fishermen, who are among those harassed and prevented by Chinese personnel sailing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
(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”.