2-8-2023 (MANILA) In a rare display of unity, senators in the Philippines adopted a robust resolution on Tuesday, condemning China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea. The resolution also provides the executive department with various options to address the matter, including raising the issue before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Senate Resolution 718, adopted unanimously, is largely based on SR 659 by Senator Risa Hontiveros and SR 707 by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. It specifically calls on the government to bring Beijing’s bullying and acts of provocation in the West Philippine Sea before the UNGA.
One of the options suggested in the resolution is for the Philippines to file a resolution before the UNGA, urging the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the country’s established rights in the West Philippine Sea. The resolution also encourages other diplomatic actions deemed appropriate and necessary by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s extensive claims over almost the entire South China Sea and reaffirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.
Senate President Zubiri clarified that the resolution retains the original points raised by Senator Hontiveros, dismissing any notion of them being watered down. The resolution was crafted during a meeting attended by key government officials, including the Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea Chairman Secretary Eduardo Año, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
Senators from both sides of the aisle commended the resolution, highlighting the importance of standing united for the sovereignty of the country. Despite differences in political affiliations, the Senate demonstrated a bipartisan effort to address the West Philippine Sea issue.
The resolution does not rule out negotiations, as it expects the Department of Foreign Affairs to continue dialogue with the Chinese government. However, if such efforts are continuously ignored by China and harassment persists, the resolution urges the DFA to take further actions, such as raising international awareness on China’s actions in the Philippine EEZ and engaging with like-minded countries to rally support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and UNCLOS.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who initially opposed Senator Hontiveros’ resolution, eventually joined his colleagues in supporting SR 718, appreciating its strength and comprehensiveness. Cayetano served as the foreign affairs chief during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, which had pursued a policy of engaging with China and setting aside the arbitral ruling.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced a transition in its training program for reservists, shifting from internal security to territorial defense. The AFP aims to strengthen the interoperability of regular and reserve forces to protect the country’s territory from external threats, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. China’s escalated provocative activities in the region, including building island fortresses and restricting Filipino fishing and patrol operations, have prompted the need for increased vigilance in safeguarding the country’s interests.
