Following reports of Chinese vessels continuing to enter Philippine waters, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stated that President Rodrigo Duterte will fight for the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea until the end of his term.

“Alam niyo si Pangulo, ‘yung independent foreign policy niya eh friendly po ‘yan si Pangulo sa lahat, enemies to none,” said Go in an interview after visiting fire victims in Maharlika, Taguig City on Tuesday, March 29.

“Pero siyempre ipinaglalaban niya po always ‘yung karapatan natin. Kita mo nagagalit ‘yan kapag inaapi na ang ating bansa,” he assured.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported on March 2 that a Chinese vessel approached the BRP Malabrigo, which was undergoing a maritime patrol operation near Bajo de Masinloc. 

The situation was defined as a “close distance maneuvering” that restricted the maneuvering room of the Filipino vessel. According to the PCG, this was a “clear” violation of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. 

On March 14, the Department of Foreign Affairs summoned China’s ambassador to explain the “illegal intrusion and lingering presence” of a Chinese navy ship detected between January 29 and February 1 of the Cuyo Group of Islands near Palawan and Apo island off Mindoro.

Meanwhile, Go has urged restraint and expressed hope that the claimant countries will settle their dispute diplomatically. However, he emphasized the importance of the country promoting its rights in its territorial waters and special economic zone.

“So kung puwede naman pong pag-usapan… diplomatikong pamamaraan, pag-usapan na lang po natin ito,” said Go.

“Pero importante pa rin ang ating… kung ano ang atin, atin po ‘yon, atin talaga ‘yon. Ipinaglalaban natin dapat ‘yan,” he added.

When asked if Duterte has given any explicit instructions on how to handle the situation, Go responded that the President will meet with his cabinet to discuss it, assuring the Filipino people that Duterte prioritizes matters critical to the country’s national interest.

“Eh kapag interes na po ng Pilipino … ‘yung national interest, ay binibigyan po kaagad ni Pangulong Duterte ng halaga,” he assured.

Photo Credit: Kuya Bong Go PH Official Website