‘Anti-China’ rally in front of embassy set on July 24

A protest against China’s continued aggression over the disputed waters at West Philippine Sea was set on July 24, Friday, former Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez said on Tuesday.

Golez, a lead convener of the Movement and Alliance To Resist China’s Aggression or Marcha, said the rally will be held in front of the Chinese Embassy at Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City at around 12 noon.

“Kasi July 24, 2012 dineclare ng Chinese government ang creation ng Sansha City. Nakabase ‘yun sa Paracel pero sinakop yung buong South China Sea. Kaya yung Sansha city kasama ang scarborough shoal diyan eh ‘yan ang tinututulan natin. That is why every July 24 starting nung 2013 eh nagra-rally na kami and we’re doing this in tandem with the US-Pinoys na nakabase sa Estados Unidos,” Golez said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

READ: Sansha: China’s newest city toehold in disputed sea

Golez said the protest would be attended by various militant groups, including representatives from different sectors like students and businessmen.

“We decided to create ‘yung movement and alliance to resist China’s aggression,” he added.

Golez, a former national security adviser, said China’s aggression was not only limited to territorial dispute, but also economic aspects.

“’Pag sinabi kasing aggression, hindi lang territorial ang ginagawa nila sa South China Sea kundi pati yung economic aggression at environmental aggression yung mga pagsira nila sa coral reefs natin,” he said.

Citing China’s continued reclamation activities in the disputed areas, Golez also urged environmental groups to participate in the rally, saying that the country’s marine resources were at stake.

“Umunlad ang economy ng China pero sa halip na bumuti sila, maging mahusay na miyembro ng international community, naging masyado silang assertive at malaking pondo ang ginamit nila para palakasin ang kanilang military,” he added.

Claiming it was the victim in the maritime dispute, China has refused to respond to the arbitration case filed by the Philippines before the United Nations tribunal at The Hague, Netherlands. With reports by Radyo Inquirer 990AM and Arianne Merez, INQUIRER.net trainee

READ: UN tribunal gives China another chance to respond | China: We are the victims on dispute; won’t heed US decision | PH makes ‘impassioned plea’ vs China before UN tribunal