We join the voices of protest and dissent of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. in the matter of the unjustified stay of Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef.
It is indisputable that the Julian Felipe Reef, located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan, is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and pursuant to the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Our country has sovereign rights over the subject area and intrusion thereof is deemed an intrusive and unacceptable act on those rights.
The matter of territorial dispute has to be resolved in the diplomatic negotiating table or by the dictates of international law.
While we recognize the historical and cultural ties with China that has evolved into a productive relationship, its present territorial incursions is producing an unwelcome stain in their bond and may trigger unwanted hostilities that both countries would rather not pursue, as destructiveness consequences are not only undesirable, they are abhorrent as well and anathema to the peace of the region.
We have strived to improve and strengthen our relationship with China by enhancing our economic, social and cultural trade, and there appears to be an evolving positive strengthening of ties by reason thereof.
Even as we appreciate the humanitarian gesture of our neighbor, we will not be blinded however by any act done by it in violation of international law and in derogation of our sovereign rights.
Let it be clear to all countries of the world that are protective of their own sovereignties. Like them, we are fiercely protective of ours.
We can negotiate on matters of mutual concern and benefit, but make no mistake about it – our sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Salvador S. Panelo
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
