Palace on Ayungin shoal: What’s ours is ours

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday said it will continue to assert the nation’s right on the West Philippine Sea despite the seeming lack of resolution on the its territorial disputes with China.

“What is ours is ours, we will try to push that and we will do it diplomatically,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a Palace press briefing when asked about the China coast guard’s expulsion of two Philippine vessels from Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacierda admitted that the government has already filed a number of note verbale and protests against China. But he said it’s a “process” that the administration will continue to exercise.

“It’s putting on record our protests and putting on record their offense,” he said.

The spokesperson said it is important to “realize the power of diplomacy and international support.”

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