Otso Diretso senatorial candidates challenge President Duterte to fulfill his promise to ride a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea and to fight for the rights of Filipino fishermen. PHOTO from Otso Diretso
MASINLOC, Zambales–The opposition senatorial candidates on Monday vowed to bring the fight against China to the Senate if elected in the coming May elections.
Otso Diretso senatorial candidates Samira Gutoc, Chel Diokno, Gary Alejano and Florin Hilbay attempted to visit Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine sea to see the situation of the Filipino fishermen but were allegedly prevented by the Philippine Coast Guard.
After being barred, the candidates together with their supporters stayed in this town’s shoreline and planted the Philippine flag to protest the Chinese intrusion in the disputed areas.
“Ngayon maliwanag na walang makapunta sa Scarborough, walang makapag-document, so that this administration can paint a very beautiful picture,” said Alejano.
Diokno said President Duterte’s disregard of Filipinos’ rights in the contested areas will have a long-term negative effect.
“Ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pinoy ay maapektuhan. Ang daming kayamanan, natural resources na andiyan na inaagaw nila,” he said.
Fishermen here have been avoiding the disputed shoal for fear that the Chinese Coast Guard would drive them away from their traditional fishing ground.