Press Release - Statement of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Ph-China arrangement for Rotation and Resupplying (RORE) to BRP Sierra Madre

Reports on the recent arrangement between our government and China reached through consultations regarding resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal represent a significant step in ensuring peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea.

This is a pragmatic solution as it will now ensure our troops stationed aboard our grounded naval vessel receive the necessary support and de-escalate the tension in the West Philippine Sea.

Bukod sa paghupa ng mga nakaraang insidenteng nasaksihan natin kung saan may mga nasaktan sa panig ng ating mga magiging na sundalo, ang pagsisiguro ng kaligtasan at kanilang kapakanan ay nararapat lamang na bigyan ng pagpapahalaga.

Gayunpaman, hinihimok ko ang Department of Foreign Affairs na magbigay ng karagdagang impormasyon na nagdedetalye na nasabing kasunduan. Napakahalaga ng pagiging transparent sa usaping ito lalo na't iginigiit ng China ang tungkol sa paunang abiso at on-site na kumpirmasyon bago tayo makapagsagawa ng resupply mission.

We appreciate the DFA's efforts in this regard. Still, we must seek clarity on the operational aspects and the concerns raised by our Chinese counterparts should be addressed while upholding our national position.