West Philippine Sea ours to exploit — solon
THE continued intrusion of China in West Philippine Sea is considered a breach of Philippines sovereignty and economic sabotage by a foreign intruder.
This is according to Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers as he urged government to also explore the WPS resources amid the presence of Chinese vessels.
In a statement, Barbers expressed disappointment over the continued incursions of Chinese vessels in the WPS which deprived Filipinos the chance to earn a living and recover from the present pandemic.
“Why would hundreds of ships converge in one spot for months if there is no economic gain for them? I am sure that there is something of high value underneath that they are very much interested in. Something that is very valuable to them and to us. Their continued presence there indicate that they are stealing from us these valuable resources,” Barbers said.
Barbers pointed out that if these resources will bring us economic recovery then we should exploit, protect and keep it for our exclusive use because it is as precious as our independence as it will free the people from the bondage of poverty.
The solon has hinted that Executive Order 130 may be used for the mineral reserves in the area to be subject to joint exploration with foreign companies that have the expertise to explore and extract them, like the Malampaya project where the government allowed Shell to extract the natural gas.
Barbers also said that it is not right to allow the Chinese to exploit the area while we do nothing and just watch them extract everything for their own use.
“We should go there, make our presence felt, declare our intentions and explore it too for our own use. If they refuse to leave, then we should conduct our own economic activities there and stand our ground,” he said.
“Their presence should not deter us from doing what we need to do in an area which the international community recognizes as our exclusive economic zone,” Barbers added.
The House leader also said that ff the international community has given us that sovereign right over the area, and we can start putting the newly signed Executive Order 130 to good use and engage entities with expertise to extract valuable resources there.
