MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has made a resolute move by directing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to remove the 300-meter buoys placed by the China Coast Guard (CCG) at Scarborough Shoal. This action, as noted by De La Salle International Studies Professor Renato De Castro, conveys a significant message to the Chinese government.
During a weekly news forum, De Castro highlighted the President’s decisiveness in ensuring food security for the Filipino people, particularly fishermen, and his independent foreign policy stance. This move has created a notable impact on China.
De Castro emphasized the following key aspects:
- The President’s decisiveness in making a swift decision, despite potential adverse reactions from the Chinese Coast Guard.
- The government’s commitment to food security, as many in Zambales have lost their livelihoods due to restricted access for fishermen, a vital source of food.
- The President’s exercise of an “independent foreign policy” by confronting China’s maritime expansionism without consulting the US, Japan, or Australia.
- President Marcos’ action serves as a demonstration of how his administration intends to address illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and protect the nation’s sovereign rights over its waters.
The President is also upholding the July 12, 2016 ruling, which designates Scarborough Shoal as a “traditional fishing ground,” allowing access to all countries, including China and neighboring nations.
De Castro predicts that if the CCG continues its maritime expansion in Philippine waters, President Marcos will take further decisive actions, emphasizing that the administration “will not stand by idly.”
Regarding China’s response, De Castro noted that they appeared surprised, as evident in their public statements. China has also designated a spokesperson similar to PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela for the West Philippine Sea.
“Currently, they seem somewhat flustered based on their pronouncements. They were caught off guard by the decision of our President. They never expected us to push back. So, for now, the Chinese government is trying to assure their public that they are still in control of the situation,” De Castro remarked.
De Castro believes that President Marcos’ decisive actions are a positive development for the Filipino people, particularly the affected fishermen who can now resume fishing in Philippine waters.
