Hontiveros to executive branch of gov’t: ‘Side with Filipinos, not China’

PH TERRITORY A Philippine Navy sailor displays the country’s flag on Sandy Cay, a sandbar just 7.4 kilometers (4 nautical miles) from Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, in this June 2022 photo. Chinese naval ships have been patrolling the area. (Picture by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros once again pressed for her recommendation to bring before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly the issue of China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

“More and more nations are recognizing our legitimate rights in the West Philippine Sea, so why not seize this opportunity now?” she asked the executive branch of government in a statement on Monday.

“Government cannot do nothing. Araw-araw ang pambabastos ng Tsina sa ating karagatan at sa ating mga mamamayan,” she said.

(The abuses of China toward our sea and our people are daily.)

“Ipakita naman ng gobyerno na kinakampihan natin ang Pilipino, hindi ang Tsina,” she pleaded.

(Government shows that we are siding with Filipinos, not China.)

Lawmakers did not adopt the proposed Senate Resolution Number 659 in a plenary session on Wednesday, July 26.

The measure was sponsored by Hontiveros.

It called on thegovernment, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to raise before the international body the matter of China’s relentless harassment o ilippine vessels.

The bid was stalled in Senate following concerns raised by some lawmakers.

A caucus will be held on Monday, July 31, to discuss the resolution.

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APL/abc