MANILA – Malacañang on Monday conceded that country could not do anything about the West Philippine Sea for now as it is controlled by China.
Instead of waging war with the Asian powerhouse, all the Philippines can do is to negotiate with China, said Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.
“Sila ang may kontrol, as of now. Meron silang pwersa doon. We can only protest like any other country na may claim (in the area) like Vietnam. Saka ‘yun lang ang magagawa natin. You want us to declare war against them?” Panelo said.
The Palace spokesperson’s statement came after a short documentary was released by opposition senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares. It showed that Filipino fishermen were being driven away from Scarborough Shoal by the Chinese Coast Guard.
Panelo noted that if ever the claims of the Filipino fishermen were true, then a proof must be showed so that the government can make action against the Chinese Coast Guard.
“They have to show proof that it’s being done now, because if that’s being done certainly we will protest. We will not allow our fishermen to be subjected to that kind of harassment,” Panelo said.
The Scarborough Shoal – also known as Bajo de Masinloc – is a traditional Filipino fishing ground within the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines filed a case challenging China’s expansive claims to virtually the entire South China Sea in the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013. The arbitral tribunal sided with the Philippines but China refused to recognize the proceedings and ignored the ruling./PN
Moron is a very simple comment for the guy like you. Instead of talking Panelo your mouth is somehow not giving enough moral to Filipino but rather give them a pessimistic view coming from a guy like you. You are to old to think critically.