Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines – Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday questioned the administration’s actions in dealing with China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. rejected the proposed use of water cannons against Chinese vessels.
According to Marcos, the Philippine government does not want to “raise” tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The President’s words, however, did not sit well with Pimentel who proceeded to question the government’s actions in dealing with the issue.
READ: Marcos rejects water cannons on Philippine vessels
“So why are other ‘powers’ being brought in to involve themselves in [the] West Philippine Sea issues if the ‘intention’ is to lower tensions? Why increase the number of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites? Why buy missiles and submarines instead of surface vessels which can obviously be used in disaster relief operations?” said Pimentel in a Viber message to reporters.
‘Aggression will never be the solution’
Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada – chairperson of the chamber’s panel on national defense and security, peace, unification, and reconciliation, said the Philippine government should focus on ensuring the protection of “our territorial and maritime interests by adhering to the principles of the rule of law.”
He noted that the use of aggression “will never be the solution” in dealing with the dispute.
“Instead of resorting to retaliatory measures, we will assert our rights through diplomatic means. We have consistently filed diplomatic protests to address China’s aggression within our territorial waters,” said Estrada in a statement.
“The position taken by the President demonstrates his dedication to upholding stability, diplomacy, and the long-term interests of our country. Let us stand together in supporting our government’s principled approach. By following international norms and pursuing peaceful means, we can protect our maritime rights while avoiding unnecessary conflict,” he added.
READ: China water cannons 2 PH vessels in Scarborough Shoal anew
China on April 30 fired water cannons against two Philippine vessels BRP Bagacay and BRP Datu Bankaw en route to Scarborough Shoal, causing damage to the ships.
In return, the Department of Foreign Affairs on May 2 summoned Chinese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong to express the Philippine government’s strong protest against China Coast Guard’s harassment and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels.