MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito attested on Thursday that even during the time of his father, former President Joseph Estrada, there was no commitment from the Philippines to withdraw the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal.
In fact, he said, it was his father who ordered in 1999 to place the World War II ship in Ayungin Shoal “as a symbol of our sovereignty and to mark our territory.”
“I cannot recall of such a commitment from the Philippine government to remove the Sierra Madre. That area was peaceful and supply of food and supplies to the Marines until recently was smooth,” Ejercito said in a message to reporters.
“Since his time until lately, wala akong narinig na may commitment to remove Sierra Madre. Kumbaga mula 1999 hanggang nagka WPS (West Philippine) issue nanahimik ang Sierra Madre at alam na ng lahat na atin ang teritoryo,” he also said.
This was contrary to China’s claim that the Philippines promised several times to tow the grounded ship away.
Even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. disputed China’s claim, adding that he would immediately rescind such an agreement if it did exist.
Ejercito though said, “There is nothing to rescind because there is no agreement in the first place.”
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Francis “Chiz “ Escudero also backed the President’s pronouncement.
“I fully support our President 100 percent,” Zubiri said. “Make no mistake, Ayungin Shoal is Philippine territory period and the Chinese are squatting all around it.”
In another statement, Escudero said: “I completely agree with and support the position of PBBM [Marcos] on this matter.”