Jinggoy condemns ‘historical distortion’
SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada strongly condemned recent claims circulating on Chinese social media platforms asserting that Palawan is part of China. Estrada labeled these claims as “another reckless distortion of historical truth” and an “affront to our nation’s sovereignty.”
“Lahat na lang, our territorial waters, aerospace at ngayon pati probinsya, inaangkin nila,” Estrada said, referring to past Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea and now, the alleged territorial claim over Palawan. He emphasized that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) had already dismissed these statements as “baseless” and “devoid of any credible historical or legal foundation.”
The senator urged government agencies to stay vigilant against the spread of disinformation, particularly propaganda that challenges the Philippines’ territorial integrity. “Sa atin ang Palawan at malinaw na malinaw ito. No amount of internet trolling can change or rewrite history and create confusion to influence public perception,” Estrada asserted.
The NHCP earlier clarified that Palawan has never been under Chinese sovereignty and dismissed online claims that it was historically referred to as “Zheng He Island,” named after the 15th-century Chinese explorer. Historians have debunked this narrative, stating that while Admiral Zheng He conducted expeditions in Asia, there is no historical evidence that he or his fleet established sovereignty over Palawan.
Estrada’s statement comes amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes. He called for stronger measures to counteract disinformation, warning that such false claims could influence public perception and escalate diplomatic strains.
Philippine officials continue to assert the country’s sovereignty over Palawan, citing historical records, international treaties, and legal frameworks that firmly establish it as part of the Philippines.
