MANILA, Philippines— Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday called for a review of the Philippine policy toward China, citing its “incessant incursions in the West Philippine Sea.”
Her call for a review comes after she expressed concern over China’s continued bullying as well as the escalating tensions in Taiwan.
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“There should also be a review of our national policy toward China,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“Her incessant incursions in the West Philippine Sea have threatened the livelihood and safety of Filipinos. We should have policies that reflect our resistance against her belligerent actions,” she added.
“Dapat ngayon palang nakasalamin na sa ating mga batas at polisiya ang ating pagtindig laban sa Tsina,” Hontiveros said.
(As early as now, our resistance against China should already be reflected in our laws and policies.)
Before this, the senator lambasted China’s bullying not only in Taiwan but also in the Philippines.
“Palaging nakakabahala ang ginagawang pambubully ng Tsina hindi lang sa Taiwan, kundi pati na sa araw-araw na pambabastos niya sa soberanya ng Pilipinas,” she said.
(China’s bullying is always concerning, not just in Taiwan, but also in its daily disrespect for the sovereignty of the Philippines.)
Though the tensions in Taiwan are “worrisome,” Hontiveros said the Philippines “shouldn’t be coaxed to participate in any kind of war,” reminding its constitutional mandate of promoting peace or abandoning war as an instrument of national policy.
She also reiterated the importance of forming a coalition with other neighboring countries “to help de-escalate and cool the tensions between the US and China especially around Taiwan.”
At the same time, the senator urged the government to be ready to protect not only the Filipinos living in Taiwan but as well as those who are in the northern part of the Philippines who may be affected in case China intensifies its actions in Taiwan.
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