Pangilinan: WPS key to addressing PH hunger, poverty and brownouts

Five years after the arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea, Senator Kiko Pangilinan said the people must continue to assert their rights over their waters, which is key to addressing hunger, poverty, and high power cost.

The senator pointed out that the waters of the West Philippine Sea are home to vast marine resources, from oil and gas reserves deep beneath its surface, to the fishes and other seafood that could support the people’s needs as well as provide a source of income to Filipino fishermen.

“May mga banta na ng brownouts, ng linggo-linggong pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, at ang gutom na kinakaharap ng milyon-milyong Pilipino. Ang sagot sa lahat ng ito ay ang responsableng paggamit ng yaman ng ating,” Pangilinan said.

He stressed that the arbitral ruling is an important legal victory that has the force and effect of a law and recognized by the international community,

“The international tribunal ruling seals our stake on the disputed waters. But, we have to continue asserting our rights and safeguarding our territory. We have to be united as a nation,” he said.

Pangilinan lamented China’s continued violation of the arbitral ruling that invalidated its extensive nine-dash claim over the South China Sea.

Over the years, it continues to send fishermen, coast guard ships, and maritime militia ships to the part of the West Philippine Sea that is the critical waterway within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

He lauded the Philippine Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen patrolling portions of the waters and bravely standing up against the giant ships of China.

“Despite the bullying and harassment against our fishermen, they remain relentless in asserting their freedom to sail and earn their livelihood for their families. They should not be deprived of the resources that are ours,” Pangilinan said.

“There must be freedom of navigation in our exclusive economic zone. This is one way of enforcing the ruling,” he said.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)