Courtesy: Akbayan Partylist
AKBAYAN Party and the Atin Ito Coalition today issued a radio challenge in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati City, demanding that China cease and desist from its unlawful incursions and environmental destruction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), including the Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal).
The groups condemned Beijing’s recent claim that the shoal is part of its so-called “nature reserve”, arguing that it is only meant to “reserve” it for China’s exploitation and control, which is a blatant distortion and violation of international law and Philippine sovereignty.
“Nature reserve? More like Chinese occupation of the WPS. Hindi na bumebenta ang mga kasinungalingan ng China,” said Rafaela David, Akbayan President and Atin Ito Convenor.
“They cannot hide their malevolent intent in the guise of environmental protection. You cannot claim to be protecting marine life while destroying our marine resources and harassing Filipino fisherfolk. The hypocrisy is staggering.”
David emphasized that China’s continued presence and militarization in the West Philippine Sea is illegal, violating the 2016 Arbitral Award and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064).
In their radio challenge, the group directly addressed Beijing, invoking the authority of the Filipino people: “To the People’s Republic of China—this is a message from the sovereign citizens of the Republic of the Philippines. Cease your unlawful aggression within our Exclusive Economic Zone. Your illegal activities endanger not only Filipino lives but also the lives of your own people as you continue to damage our marine life and resources. The Panatag Shoal is not yours to claim, it is ours to protect.”
David also called out Filipino politicians who continue to side with Beijing.
“May ilang political leaders tayo na nagsasabi magcooperate na lang daw tayo sa China. Nalimutan ata ang pagwawater cannon nila sa ating kababayan. Kaya ingat po tayo sa mga political leaders na tila Made in China – umaastang siga pero ang mensahe pro-Beijing naman,” David said.
Matthew Silverio, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines Secretary General, slammed China’s bullying tactics and their apparent alliance with the Dutertes: “The new generation of Filipinos will not be silent while bullies trample on our rights — banyaga man o kurakot na pulitiko”
“Sanay na tayo sa mga siga. Nakakapagtaka lang na ang mga bully tulad ng mga Dutertes, nagiging masunurin pag kaharap na ang China,” Silverio added.
Hundreds joined the protest at the Chinese Consulate to assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights and denounce Beijing’s continued aggression. The groups vowed to sustain public pressure and strengthen solidarity with Filipino fisherfolk in defending national sovereignty and environmental justice.
