Speaker to Asean: Call out Beijing’s violations

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers have condemned the latest show of aggression in Philippine waters by the Chinese, with Speaker Martin Romualdez calling on the international community – particularly the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – to join in denouncing the incident and in upholding the “freedom of navigation, the rule of law and the preservation of peace in the region.”

“We will take all necessary measures, including the filing of a diplomatic protest, to protect our sovereign rights and to ensure the safety of our citizens. The Philippines seeks peace, but let it be known that we will defend our rights with steadfast determination,” Romualdez said yesterday in a statement.

He was reacting to the latest attempt yesterday by the Chinese to stop a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal by blasting with water cannon one of the Philippine vessels involved in the mission. The Filipino vessels were able to unload their cargo of provisions on the Sierra Madre.

According to Romualdez, the “unprovoked act of hostility” of China directly violates the Philippines’ “sovereign rights and international law,” particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“The harassment, blocking, execution of dangerous maneuvers and deployment of water cannons against unarmed vessels engaged in routine operations is not only dangerous but also a blatant disregard for the diplomatic processes we, as a nation, have consistently and firmly advocated for,” he pointed out.

“It is a clear attempt to undermine the peace and stability of the region, and it cannot be tolerated,” he added.

He demanded that China stop its acts of “intimidation” and comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its expansive claims over almost the entire South Philippine Sea.

“We stand firm in our conviction that might does not make right. The Philippines, though a smaller nation, will not be cowed or bullied into submission,” he said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros called China an “abuser” and said its latest act of bullying was no longer surprising.

“It is unfortunate that while this recent incident is alarming, it is not entirely surprising.