MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte said Philippines has no right to assert sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and prevent the Chinese fishermen from going there.
Duterte on Wednesday said just like other countries, Philippines does not have the sole right in the EEZ, which is located 200-nautical miles from the Philippine coastline.
“Tayo dinemanda natin ang China during panahon ni (former President Benigno) Aquino which was right. Nanalo tayo, sabi ng arbitral court sa Pilipinas ‘yan,” Duterte said.
Duterte referred to the international tribunal ruling in 2016 which invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea.
“Hindi binigay sa atin ‘yung sovereignty. Ang sovereignty is only 12 miles. Ang economic zone wala tayong sovereignty,” he added. “No country in the world has a sovereignty sa kaniyang economic zone. It is not a question of sovereignty.”
Duterte added the Philippine and Chinese governments mutually agreed before to allow fishermen from both countries to trawl in the disputed waters.
He added the fruits of strengthening diplomatic ties with China and temporarily setting aside the issue on territorial dispute manifested into projects supported by the Chinese government under his administration.
“Ngayon, sabi nila, you have to ban China. I-prohibit mo. Kung i-prohibit ko, how do I enforce my desire? Takot nga ang America, ayaw ngang mag-confront tapos ako pa ang ipusta nila. Gusto talaga nilang mapasubo ako,” Duterte said.
“Anything that is, that would force anybody to act contrary to his will is always offensive. As a matter of fact sa law, that is what’s called compelling anybody – is a crime,” added Duterte./PN
