We can’t be like China: Robin Padilla says Escudero’s proposed permanent military outpost in Ayungin Shoal will only cause trouble

The Philippines must not act like China and pursue action that may escalate tension in the disputed South China Sea, according to senatorial aspirant Robin Padilla.

Padilla has opposed Sorsogon Governor Francis Escudero’s proposal to build permanent structure in Ayungin Shoal, saying the BRP Sierra Madre deliberately beached in the area is enough to assert the country’s territorial claim.

In a Facebook post, Padilla, a known supporter of President Duterte, said building military structure will not resolve the situation but only cause trouble in the area.

“Hindi rin po maaari na basta basta na Lang na magtatayo ng structura dito dahil may sinusunod po tayong UN charter, dahil nakapirma po tayo sa UNCLOS at sa Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” the actor said.

“Hindi po tayo dapat maging parang China na puro violation ang ginagawa at nagtayo rin ng mga naglalakihang mga structura sa mga low tide elevation reefs and shoals,” he said.

Padilla said the President and the military have not been remiss in protecting the country’s territory. The BRP Sierra Madre already shows the country is asserting its claim over the territory, he said.

“Wala po tayong napapabayaan o ipinamimigay. Kahit po luma ang BRP Sierra Madre ay nagagampanan po ng ating mga sundalo ang kanilang tungkulin,” Padilla said.

Escudero earlier said the country needs more than an old ship to stand as the symbol of its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. He said the government must invest in a more functional permanent structure to serve as the country’s military outpost.

The rusting naval ship was intentionally grounded on Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, to signify the Philippines’ claim in the area . A small contingent of Filipinos soldiers are stationed onboard the landing ship.

Padilla told Escudero to instead give his modernization proposal to other territories within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“Hindi po solusyon sa Ayungin Shoal ang pag tayo ng sinasabi ninyong structura bagkus gulo ang dadalhin nito,” he said.

“Mainam na ibigay niyo ang inyong mungkahi sa mga isla natin na may EEZ at samahan na rin po ninyo ng programa ng modernisasyon ng Ating mga lokal na mangingisda sa Spratlys o KIG,” he said.

Last month, the President declared he abhorred the Chinese coast guards’ harassment of two Filipino supply ships en route to Ayungin Shoal. The boats were supposed to deliver food and other supplies to Filipino troops stationed at the stranded BRP Sierra Madre.

Duterte, speaking at a regional summit, said the incident wherein Chinese ships blocked and water cannoned the Filipino boats “does not speak well of the relations between our nations and our partnership.”

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