Lawmakers to attend dialogue on West Philippine Sea issues in Palawan

At least two senators and seven House members will attend a dialogue with fisherfolk, frontliners, local officials and students on West Philippine Sea issues in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on Monday. The event, organized by the Atin Ito Coalition behind three civilian supply missions to the area, aims to discuss national sovereignty, livelihoods and regional security.

The 'Pulong Bayan' dialogue, set for Monday in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, is organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, an umbrella group of civil-society organizations that led three historic civilian supply missions to the West Philippine Sea and plans a fourth next month. Attendees include Senators Erwin Tulfo and Francis Pangilinan (via remote), along with Representatives Antolin Aquino Oreta (Malabon), Gil Acosta (Puerto Princesa 3rd District), Jose Manuel Alba (Bukidnon 1st District), Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan) and Franz Legaspi (Pinoy Workers). Lawmakers from both majority and minority blocs in Congress have committed to the event, which seeks multisectoral discussions on national sovereignty, livelihoods and regional security. Other participants comprise officials from Kalayaan municipality—known as the 'Kalayaan 16'—Puerto Princesa local leaders, fisherfolk group heads, student organizations, and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy. Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David stated, “We are very encouraged by our lawmakers’ show of unity and solidarity in crossing party lines to support the cause of the West Philippine Sea.” Amid ongoing West Philippine Sea tensions, including the Chinese embassy's admission that China Coast Guard vessels drove away eight Philippine fishing boats from Panatag Shoal on March 17 and a Chinese warship's fire control radar lock-on against BRP Miguel Malvar on March 7 at Escoda Shoal.

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Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard fires back at China's diplomatic protest during a tense press conference on West Philippine Sea disputes.
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Tarriela fires back at China's diplomatic protest over West Philippine Sea

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Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela responded to the Chinese Embassy in Manila's diplomatic protest against his statements, calling it an attempt to divert attention from China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. The protest stemmed from a presentation he made featuring satirical images of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs have yet to respond.

Asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea must go beyond sea patrols and diplomatic protests, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said. This comes after her assessment trip to Pag-asa Island, where she noted shortages in infrastructure. She advocates for a sustainable civilian presence in the Kalayaan Island Group.

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After over six weeks of exchanges between the Chinese embassy and Philippine officials, the DFA urged calm and professional responses. The Chinese embassy called for the Philippines to speak with a unified voice. Philippine troops remain unaffected by the tensions, the Navy said.

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said international naval drills in the West Philippine Sea recognize the Philippines' claims under the 2016 arbitral ruling. He shared this in an ANC interview on April 1, even as China rejects the decision. Carpio pointed out that this falls short of full enforcement due to the Philippines' lack of political will.

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Malacañang assured Filipinos that the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea will be safeguarded, as Manila and Beijing began 'initial exchanges' on potential offshore oil and gas exploration.

Following bilateral meetings in Quanzhou on March 27-28, the Philippines and China advanced practical measures in the South China Sea, including initial exchanges on oil and gas exploration, amid efforts to manage disputes and boost confidence-building. The talks, previewed amid global energy concerns, pave the way for higher-level discussions later this year.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson described as “unsettling” the prospect of a Philippine lawmaker echoing China’s territorial positions, warning of grave implications for national security amid escalating global tensions. He raised the alarm following his privilege speech on Tuesday, where he presented evidence that statements from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on the West Philippine Sea mirrored narratives on the website of China’s ministry of foreign affairs.

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