Bam Aquino: Senate can take lead in defending PH vs China

The Senate can take the lead in defending the country against China if Malacañang will not side with the Filipino people, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said on Monday.

“A strong and independent Senate can and should investigate all our dealings with China, especially when the rights and livelihood of our countrymen are at risk,” Aquino said in a statement.

Aquino’s remark came on the heels of reports on the “harassment” of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea by the members of Chinese coast guard.

The opposition lawmaker said the Duterte administration’s “defeatist mentality” will lead to even more abuses.

The Senate committees on foreign relations and national defense have yet to convene a probe on the Philippine government’s relations with China.

Opposition lawmakers have hit the government’s silence on its dealing with China. Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for transparency on diplomatic actions.

READ: Alejano laments gov’t inaction over harassment of Filipino fishermen

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday said that the Duterte administration taking “all diplomatic actions” against China’s reported harassment incidents in the disputed sea.

“We are assuring you that we are taking all diplomatic action. Look at the results, not just the steps taken,” he said.

“Why do you do protest? Why do you do diplomatic action? Because you want results. This administration is focusing on the results,” he added.

Cayetano claimed that the Department of Foreign Affairs have filed 50 to 100 diplomatic protests against China, but refused to give further details. /ee

READ: Cayetano: DFA acting on shoal harassment