By Azer Parrocha/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has “effectively” made a strong assertion of sovereignty on the country’s control over territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Malacañang said Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark a day after insisting that the Duterte administration has never “shelved” the arbitral ruling won by the Philippines against China at The Hague.
“When he said ‘do not touch our property and if you do any harm to our soldiers, we will respond in kind.’ That effectively has already made a very strong assertion of sovereignty and statement relative to the arbitral ruling,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
Panelo explained anew that the arbitral ruling was never shelved because it has always existed and could be invoked “anytime.”
“It doesn’t mean it has been shelved. If you say ‘not right now,’ it’s still there. You can invoke at any time, at our pleasure and convenience,” Panelo said.
Panelo, meanwhile, reiterated that the Philippines has already filed a “salvo of diplomatic notes” against China for the continued activity of Chinese vessels and is currently waiting for its response.
He noted the importance of maintaining “equilibrium” between the Philippines and China amid the ongoing sea row.
“Kasi dapat i-maintain natin iyong peace and equilibrium doon sa lugar na iyon (We should maintain peace and equilibrium in that area),” Panelo said.
“We are supposed to be friends. So, let’s be friendly first,” he added.
Panelo said it will be up to the President to determine whether he would invoke the arbitral tribunal during his visit to China to attend the Belt and Road Forum on April 25.
“Depende sa kaniya iyon. Kasi either/or, both puwede namang i-raise nila iyon eh. Considering na mainit, baka pag-usapan (It will depend on him. Because either the Philippines or China could raise it. Considering that it is a hot topic, it might be tackled),” Panelo said.
It will also be the President’s call to decide on actions to take should China refuse to move away its vessels suspected to be maritime militia near the Pag-asa Island, he said.
He also stressed the importance of forging “a mutually satisfactory solution” to the conflict in that area based on the directives of each constitution, as well as the aspirations of these two countries.
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