DEPUTY Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros yesterday denounced China’s alleged planting of its flag on Sandy Cay, describing the move as a “photoshoot gimmick” and warning it could weaken Philippine sovereignty.

Hontiveros said the incident was “another spectacle orchestrated by Beijing” and emphasized that “no self-respecting State would take it to mean that China now has sovereign rights over it.”

She asserted that “international law affirms that Sandy Cay is part of the West Philippine Sea,” pointing out that the area lies just about two nautical miles from the inhabited Pag-asa Island.

The lady senator recalled that since 2017, during the Duterte administration, Filipino fishermen and citizens have been unable to approach Sandy Cay due to the Chinese presence.

She urged the government to take decisive action to protect the country’s claims.

“If we don’t, this might even undermine our presence on Pag-asa Island,” she warned.

Hontiveros expressed confidence that the Department of Foreign Affairs would file a diplomatic protest and that the Philippine Coast Guard would increase joint patrols in the area.

Hontiveros criticized China’s recent activities, stating that its “unacceptable behavior not only violates international law, it also further keeps Filipino fisherfolk away from waters they should have access to.”

“If China wants to be a global leader, she should lead by example and act responsibly,” Hontiveros said. “There should be no unilateral changes to the status quo achieved by force, coercion, or outright aggression.”

She added with a firm assertion: “Sandy Cay belongs to the Philippines and no amount of island hopping of the Chinese Coast Guard will muddle the truth.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Camille P. Balagtas