THE West Philippine Sea (WPS) Bloc, led by Akbayan Partylist, today launched and filed its first set of legislative measures with fisherfolk from Zambales and Bataan, aiming to counter possible Chinese interference in local governments and to bolster the country’s arbitral tribunal victory against China.
Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno emphasized the importance of institutionalizing WPS education for the youth: “Teaching current and future generations about the West Philippine Sea, our sovereign rights over our Exclusive Economic Zone, and the significance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s Award in favor of our country empowers them to understand the importance of protecting our territory and upholding international law.”
“By educating our youth, we help ensure that the next generation will safeguard what is rightfully ours as a nation,” he added.
Among the West Philippine Sea Bloc’s proposed legislation are:
– House Resolution No. 0039 – Resolution urging the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to review and investigate the sister-city and sister-province agreements between China and Philippine LGUs.
– House Bill No. 1626 – Declaring the anniversary of the country’s arbitral tribunal victory against China on July 12 as “National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.”
– House Bill No. 1625 – Mandatory teaching of West Philippine Sea history and geography at all levels of the country’s education system. The bill aims to counter pro-China propaganda and educate young people on the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
Review sister city agreements; rescind if inimical to national security
Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña, one of the authors of the proposed measures, urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government to review existing sister city agreements between the Philippines and China, citing the huge national security risks involved in these partnerships.
“These agreements are not even worth the paper they’re printed on. China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea are devoid of the respect that is expected of such agreements. Their government has repeatedly shown contempt for our frontliners and fisherfolk,” Rep. Cendaña said.
He also cited the case of three detained Palaweños—former scholars under the Palawan-Hainan sister province agreement—as a warning against China’s threats: “Sister cities? Ipapahamak ba tayo ng ‘kapatid’ natin? Hindi nga man lang napigilan ng ‘sister city agreements’ ang pangho-hostage ng Chinese government sa tatlo nating kababayang Palaweño.”
Rep. Cendaña further advised the DILG, “Dapat na nating i-cut off ang toxic friends natin. Kung walang pakinabang at puro pahamak lang sa ating national interest ang dulot ng mga agreement, the government must cancel them immediately.”
The newly-formed WPS bloc is composed of Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Ismula, Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Representative Leila de Lima and Albay 1st District Representative Krisel Lagman-Luistro.
Furthermore, the bloc said that they are open to welcome other legislators who are willing to defend the Philippine sovereignty and territory
