China’s rejection of third party probe of Recto Bank incident ‘expected’ — Drilon

MANILA, Philippines — China’s refusal to accept a third party investigation of the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea on June 9 was “expected,” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Tuesday.

Drilon explained that agreeing to a third party probe will be “inconsistent” with China’s claim over the South China Sea.

“I expected China to reject a third party arbiter on the Reed bank or Recto reef incident because that will be inconsistent with their claim in their nine-dash line,” Drilon told reporters in an interview at the Senate.

“Remember they are claiming this as their territory. For them to agree to a third party arbiter would derogate on their claim that their jurisdiction extends to the nine-dash line,” he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said that China is standing by its proposal of a joint investigation.

READ: Palace: China rejected third party probe on sinking of Filipino boat

However, Drilon has thumbed down a joint probe as it could “weaken” the maritime claims of the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Drilon, Pangilinan slam joint probe on Recto Bank incident

Instead of a joint probe with China, the senator suggested an independent body to look into the incident. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

READ: Drilon: Independent body should probe Recto Bank incident