Benham Rise
Senator Bam Aquino rallied the government to never surrender the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise), seemingly just like what happened to the West Philippine Sea.
“Huwag nating isuko na parang West Philippine Sea ang napakahalagang yamang ito,” Aquino said in a statement Wednesday.
(Let’s not give up this important treasure just like what happened to the West Philippine Sea.)
Aquino asserted that the Philippine Rise is clearly a Philippine territory and its features are not for China to name, amid China’s reported move to name five undersea features within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Benham Rise.
READ: China named 5 undersea features at PH Rise – expert
It is only right, he said, that the government counters any further moves to name features of Philippine territory and propose remedies for the two formally named by China through the International Hydrographic Organization.
Aquino, chair of Senate committee on science and technology, expressed hopes that their hearing on February 26 “will bring clarity to the issue and help determine next steps.”
“It is imperative that we protect our territory from any foreign interest. Dapat nang magkaroon ng matibay at malinaw na plano ang pamahalaan sa Philippine Rise, lalo ngayong unti-unti nang kumikilos ang China para ito’y angkinin (The government should have a strong and clear plan for the Philippine Rise, especially that China is slowly moving to claim it),” the senator said. /jpv