Manila – The House of Representatives of the Philippines has expressed its firm commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, addressing the issue on Thursday, emphasized the House’s dedication to safeguarding the rights of Filipino fishermen and security forces against illegal activities and incursions by Chinese vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to Philippines News Agency, the House is prepared to use its legislative powers and financial resources to enhance the nation’s defense posture in the WPS. This commitment includes providing robust support to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Navy. The House’s stance was demonstrated through the adoption of House Resolution 1494, which condemns China’s “illegal actions” in the WPS. The resolution calls on the government to defend sovereign rights over the nation’s EEZ and continental shelf as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and enforced by the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The resolution details various illegal activities by China, including harassment and blocking of Filipino fishermen, imposition of a unilateral fishing moratorium, and interference in routine Philippine missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. It underscores the need for the Philippines to continue asserting its rights in the WPS and implement the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes enhancing the Philippines’ maritime patrol capabilities and defense posture, calling for increased funding for the armed forces and maritime patrol units.
