Get out of Pag-asa, Zubiri tells China

(UPDATE) PAG-ASA ISLAND, Palawan – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on May 16 told the Chinese if they have a «listening post» here to leave immediately since the area belongs to the Philippines.

Zubiri, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Sen. JV Ejercito flew here on a private plane Thursday to launch the construction of a three-story barracks for the Philippine Navy (PN) personnel and a health unit. They were joined by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who flew in on an Air Force plane.

«What I wanted to say is that, if they are listening, this is the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. This is not yours,» Zubiri said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri. Senate Social Media Unit

There were one China Coast Guard and at least 20 Chinese maritime militia vessels in the vicinity of Pag-asa during the senators' visit.

«This is ours even before [Ferdinand] Magellan [discovered the Philippines]. So, get out,» Zubiri said, supposedly addressing the Chinese.

Zubiri urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to submit their «wish list» to further improve the infrastructure here to benefit both the military and civilian population.

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He said construction of a military barracks in Pag-asa Island in Palawan will boost the presence of the PN in the West Philippine Sea and prevent the illegal Chinese incursions into Philippine territory.

Zubiri flew here to lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the PN barracks and a health unit in the island that he himself fought for during the budget deliberations last year for the 2024 national budget.

«This is indeed a momentous occasion. We're proud because these are my projects as senator,» Zubiri said in a prepared speech.

«Our investment in infrastructure in Pag-asa Island is our investment in our security in the West Philippine Sea,» he said.

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«It will show China and the rest of the world that there is a thriving community in Kalayaan [Island Group] and there is a functioning military unit ready to complement our patrols in our territory and exclusive economic zone,» Zubiri added.

He earlier pushed for the inclusion in the 2024 national