Lacson on China’s demand to remove BRP Sierra Madre: Don’t move an inch

Partido Reporma presidential bet, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Philippine ships guarding the country’s exclusive economic zones in the disputed West Philippine Sea should not move an inch.

China has demanded for the Philippines to remove the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, which it claims to be a part of its territory.

“Hindi dapat iusog. In fact, dagdagan pa natin ng tropa. Kung kakayanin maglagay pa tayo ng isang barko. Kahit magsukatan pa, maliwanag na tayo ang may karapatan sa Ayungin Shoal,” Lacson said.

He also revealed an effort by senators to draft a Sense of the Senate condemning China’s series of actions in the disputed territory. Lacson however clarified that these actions are not meant to provoke China.

“Hindi natin kaya ang China militarily. Wala pa tayong credible defense force. Kailangan nating makipag-alyansa sa malalakas na bansa. Maintain balance of power, not to provoke war, but to prevent it,” he added, even as he stressed that the United States and a few other countries have issued strong statements condemning China for its actions over Ayungin Shoal.

Lacson’s running-mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said they will push for the passage of a bill they co-authored defining the Philippines’ maritime zones.

“We have to insist in our maritime zones so we need to map it out, similar to China’s 9-dash line. We should also review our Mutual Defense Treaty with the US, para maisip ng China na hindi lang tayo dito,” Sotto said.

Both Lacson and Sotto agreed that the country should aggressively pursue the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect our sovereignty, resources and people.

“We should accelerate the modernization of the AFP. The US has expressed willingness to help upgrade our defense capability. We should maintain our trade relations with China, but we should always assert our rights,” Lacson stressed.