Press Release - Statement of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on China demanding the withdrawal of BRP Teresa Magbanua at the Escoda Shoal
There is no infringement of China's territory in the Escoda Shoal. The area where our Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed for nearly four months now, falls within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as defined by international law. Therefore, there is no reason for us to withdraw our vessel which was anchored in response to suspected reclamation activities of China.