ASSERTION IN THE SKIES Streaking over the West Philippine Sea near Batanes on Nov. 21, 2023 is a formation of two FA-50PH aircraft of Philippine Air Force (left) and two US fighter jets. (Photo from CDN and PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE)
MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Friday refuted China’s accusation that Philippines stirred up trouble in West Philippine Sea when it conducted joint patrols with United States.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, in a statement, said Philippines has the right to patrol its waters.
“It has always been China who stirs up trouble in the West Philippine Sea, not the Philippines,” she said.
“Our country should be free to patrol our waters with whomever we choose, whenever we want. This is our right as a sovereign nation,” the senator pointed out.
Her statement was issued after China accused Philippines of enlisting foreign forces to patrol West Philippine Sea.
China described it as an attempt to “stir up trouble” and “undermine regional peace and stability.”
Despite China’s accusation, Hontiveros also welcomes joint maritime exercises with Japan, Australia, India, and other naval forces.
“China, however, wants to stop us from engaging with our allies because she knows she cannot prevail against a coalition,” the senator observed.
“If she has a problem with our presence in our own waters, she is more than welcome to leave,” she added.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino agreed with Hontiveros.
“It’s our right, lugar natin iyon e. Di ba quad pa nga yung sinasabi ko dati?” he recalled.
(It’s our right. That area is ours. Didn’t I previously suggest quad patrols?)
Tolentino made the remark in an ambush interview on the sidelines of Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum at Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay city.