Bam Aquino urges ’formal protest’ vs China’s taking over West PH Sea

NAGA CITY – Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV urged for the filing of a formal protest and for the government to stop its ‘informal talks’ with China.

Aquino was in this city as guest of honor during the oath-taking of newly elected officers of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation with Vice President Leni Robredo. Robredo also led the oath-taking of barangay and SK officials elected during the May 14 polls.

“The side of the Philippines is clear. It is our territory. Why are we allowing the Chinese to take over? It’s embarrassing,” he said.

According to Aquino, Acting Chief Justice Carpio said there are ways to bring this issue and file a case at the international court.

“Why are we so scared to bring this to the international court? We’ve already won there. If this current policy will only be discussed by us, I don’t think we will win,” he said.

Aquino also condemned the alleged harassment on the Filipino fishermen.

“Hindi na maganda itong nangyayari sa ating mga mangingisda, teritoryo natin yan pero ba’t pa tayo magpapaalam? Yung pinaghirapan mong lapu-lapu ipapalit lang sa noodles?

(What is happening with our fisherfolk is no longer good. That is our territory, why do we have to ask for permission? The fish they worked so hard for would just be traded with noodles?)” he said.

The government should be more transparent and clear when it comes to dealings with China, he said.

“Everything should be clear to us and to the Filipinos — territory, economy, loan. No secret deals,” he added./lb