DOJ proposal to rename WPS ‘must not diminish’ PH claims in area – Poe

MANILA, Philippines — The proposal to rename the West Philippine Sea (WPS) must not diminish the country’s territorial claims in the area, Sen. Grace Poe said in a statement on Sunday.

“We must preserve our rights to the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” she said. 

Poe said lawmakers would rely on experts to give advice on renaming the West Philippine Sea.

Last Oct. 26, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla suggested that the area be renamed “Sea of Asia.”

He made the suggestion as the Department of Justice was planning to file an environmental case early in 2024 against China for the alleged coral destruction and other immeasurable nature-related crimes in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Scientists warn of ‘dire ecological damage’ in WPS territories if Chinese incursion continues

“We also support the plan of the Department of Justice to lodge a complaint over the destruction of our marine resources, which entails equal if not more focus from concerned agencies,” Poe said. 

“In the Senate, we will continue to push for a bigger budget for the Navy and the Coast Guard to better capacitate them in protecting our seas.”