A TEACHER and solon called the attention of the Chinese Foreign Ministry for making baseless accusations and wanton display of arrogance amid a recent incident that happened at Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc (BDM).
House Deputy Minority leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro strongly denounced the Chinese Foreign Ministry for accusing the Philippines of intruding in Scarborough Shoal “without their permission.”
In a statement, Rep. Castro expressed her disbelief at China’s audacity in making such claims and arrogantly dismissing the actions of the Philippines in asserting its sovereignty.
“Excuse me, it is the Chinese government who is intruding in our territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Now they have the temerity to say that we need their permission for our fisherfolk to fish in our own waters,” said the teacher-solon.
Rep. Castro emphasized that China should recognize the reality that other countries exist in Asia and have their own territories. She emphasized that the Philippines has sovereign rights over Scarborough Shoal and its surrounding waters.
“China should wake up from its delusion and face reality. The Philippines has every right to protect its territorial integrity and ensure the welfare of its people. China has no right to dictate our actions within our own territory,” she added.
Rep. Castro called on the Philippine government to assert its sovereignty and defend the rights of Filipino fisherfolk in Scarborough Shoal. She urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to take diplomatic action to address China’s baseless accusations.
“We must stand firm against China’s attempts to undermine our sovereignty. The Philippine government must prioritize the welfare and interests of our people, especially our fisherfolk who heavily rely on the resources in Scarborough Shoal,” Rep. Castro emphasized.
The ACT Teachers Partylist representative also called on the international community to condemn China’s actions and support the Philippines in upholding its territorial rights.
“We urge our fellow nations to stand with us in defending our sovereignty and asserting our rights. Together, we can send a strong message to China that their aggressive claims have no basis and will not be tolerated,” she concluded.