PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told French President Emmanuel Macron the Philippine government is exerting all efforts “to maintain the peace, to maintain the stability, keep the shipping lanes open and airways open” in the West Philippine Sea.
The President made the statement in a telephone conversation with the French leader, during which they talked about the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea, among others.
“May I thank France for all the support that you have given us in terms of our shared values, in terms of following the international law, especially UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and it has been of great help the messages of support, and even when you sent French vessels to come and patrol. So, I have to thank you, Mr. President, and France,” the Presidential Communications Office quoted Marcos as saying.
The conversation came days after the dismantling by the Philippine Coast Guard of floating barriers installed by China at the Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc, which is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The barrier prevented Filipino fishermen from fishing inside the shoal.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Philippines is eyeing the filing of a new complaint against China before the United Nations’ arbitral tribunal over recent Chinese activities in the South China Sea.
“This is the position that the government will take most likely,” he said in a radio interview.
“It might be, most very probably, very probable, but we are not going to say definitely we will,” he added.
Bersamin was echoing statements made earlier by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla.
The Philippines filed a complaint against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2013 following a standoff at Scarborough, which led to China taking control of the shoal.
The PCA in 2016 ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s nine-dash claim over the South China Sea.
China refused to acknowledge the PCA’s decision.
Bersamin, asked about the possibility of China ignoring the second complaint, said it does not matter because the important thing is the Philippines showed its determination to fight for its territory and sovereignty.
He added that what is certain is that the Marcos administration “is an administration that will not lose an inch of Philippine territory or sovereignty.”
Remulla yesterday said government is deciding on what complaint to file.
“I think we know that we have to file a complaint. It’s a matter of choosing the complaint to file and where to file the complaint, whether it’s the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration or other forum,” Remulla said in a press briefing.
Remulla reiterated anew that he is more inclined to lodge the case with the PCA.
“They have the familiarity and the inclusion of institutional memory to handle cases about the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Guevarra previously said his office is reviewing all incidents in the WPS since the 2016 arbitral award to collect evidence to support a possible case against Beijing amid the latest development.
FRENCH MINISTERS
Marcos, during the conversation with Macron, said the Philippines is also doing all it can to maintain peace and stability in the disputed waters and ensure that shipping lanes and airways remain open.
Macron last week, through French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, expressed his “growing concern about the increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and expresses support for the supremacy of international law.”
During the telephone call, Macron said a group of French ministers is set to visit the Philippines before the end of the year as part of the efforts to strengthen the Philippine-French ties.
Marcos welcomed the planned visit and reiterated his invitation for Macron to visit the Philippines.
VISIT
AFP Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos visited four Philippine-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Wescom reported Carlos’ visit and inspection of facilities at Pag-asa, Parola, Likas and Lawak islands on Friday last week.
Carlos went to these areas on board the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna.
He led flag-raising ceremonies at the four islands. He also provided additional supplies and provisions to the troops, whose morale he uplifted.
Wescom said Carlos visit to the islands “left an indelible mark, showcasing his unwavering support for the troops stationed there.”
“His engagement with the personnel, facility inspections, flag-raising ceremony, and provision of additional food supplies demonstrated the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially in its maritime boundaries,” it said.
It said Carlos joined troops “in reaffirming the Philippines’ ownership and control over these territories.” — With Ashzel Hachero and Victor Reyes
