MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines should make its own map that would counter China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said, adding that he is eyeing a bill that will assert the country’s own claims over contested areas.
“I came across an article…saying that why don’t we make our own map? They (China) made their own nine-dash line,” Sotto said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel Monday.
“Let’s make our own [map]. Let’s insist on our own and then God forbid that they cross the line, the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) will kick in. So I think it’s a matter of really just setting our foot down. As a matter of I’ve toying with the idea of filing a bill [na] linawin doon ang ating mga pag-aari,” he added.
“I’m already contemplating on filing a bill that will mark this and will institutionalize [this],” he further said.
Manila and Beijing have been locked in a long-standing maritime dispute.
In July 2016, the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea. Beijing, however, refuses to recognize the said ruling.
READ: Duterte downplays PH’s arbitral win vs China again, branding it as ‘meaningless’
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has so far lodged 100 diplomatic protests against China since the start of the Duterte administration, the most recent of which is over the “incessant” deployment of Chinese maritime and fishing vessels around Pag-asa Island.
READ: PH protests ‘incessant deployment’ of China vessels around Pag-asa Island
More assertive, aggressive
Sotto said the Philippines could be “more assertive, and if possible, aggressive” in its stand on the West Philippine Issue.
Still, the senator said it would be best to continue pursuing negotiations with China as he backed the advice of former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who warned against taking a confrontational stance on the matter.
“We’re not capable of getting into trouble. What we have to do really is again, aside from negotiation, we must be more assertive, and if possible, aggressive in our positions,” Sotto said.
“But I do agree with what he’s (Enrile) saying, not now. Perhaps while we’re negotiating then we try to build up our capabilities,” he added.
Sotto likewise reiterated his suggestion for the government to explore the feasibility of starting oil exploration studies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to underscore the country’s 2016 arbitral victory and affirm Manila’s resolute claim over the contested area.
He said he brought up a possible partnership with China during a meeting he had with the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian last week.
“I mentioned that (possibility of a joint venture) and he was optimistic about it, I did not hear him say that it’s not possible,” Sotto said.