SENATOR Francis Escudero on Monday called for the immediate convening of the National Security Council in the face of the reported China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
“It might indeed be best to convene the NSC in order to bring everybody in the loop given that this is an issue facing our country and people regardless of political affiliation,” Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on finance, said in a statement.
The senator issued the statement following reports that Filipino fishermen were water cannoned by a Chinese vessel last week to drive them away from the Scarborough Shoal.
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Under Executive Order No. 115, Escudero said the NSC is the principal advisory body of the President on the proper coordination and integration of plans and policies affecting national security.
Escudero, an administration ally, also backed the government’s position to defend the country’s claim over parts of the potentially oil-rich South China Sea, which are also claimed by Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.
“We are well within our rights and claims. We should not give up our rights and in fact, we should assert our sovereignty. This is why convening the NSC is fundamental to address this issue,” he said.
“All branches of the government must work together in unison. We bring the best minds, the soundest judgment, and the best intentions for the country to stand at its best on an issue that is every Filipino’s claim,” he pointed out.
China has been relentless in taking control of most parts of the disputed areas through reclamation works and construction of military facilities. The Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed that they have photographs taken by satellites to show that China has aggressively built infrastructures on reefs and islets, including airstrips and key military facilities.
Escudero then said it is imperative that the government bring the issue to the proper forum through diplomatic means.
Getting international attention and support from the United States and regional partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), he said, will definitely play an important role in keeping China at bay.
“International attention and support will play a key role to pressure China to conform to international laws and practices. It could also temper them from their bullying tactics and convince them to resolve the matter peacefully,” the senator added. AC