A House leader on Friday called on Filipino voters to demand clear and firm positions from senatorial candidates—especially those aligned with former President Rodrigo Duterte—on the Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stressing that national sovereignty is at stake in the upcoming elections.
House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun underscored the need for transparency from candidates regarding their stance on the harassment of Filipino fishermen and military personnel within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Ang tanong ng ating mga kababayan ay simple: Kakampi ba kayo ng Pilipino o kakampi kayo ng China? Hindi pwedeng magpalusot o umiwas. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable. Itanong po natin iyan sa lahat ng senatorial candidates, lalo na sa mga kandidato ni dating Pangulong Duterte,” Khonghun stated.
He emphasized that national security and territorial integrity should take precedence in public discourse, given China’s continued aggression in Philippine waters.
“Hindi ito usaping pang-partido o panig-panig. Dapat malinaw sa bawat kandidato kung handa silang ipaglaban ang ating bansa. Kung ngayon pa lang, hindi na natin marinig ang boses nila laban sa pang-aapi sa ating mga mangingisda at sundalo, paano pa kapag nahalal na sila?” he warned.
Key Policy Positions Voters Must Demand
Khonghun urged the public to press senatorial candidates for concrete policy commitments on:
✔ China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen and the Philippine Coast Guard
✔ The militarization of maritime features in the WPS
✔ Strengthening alliances with other nations for maritime security
✔ Government support for Filipino fisherfolk affected by WPS tensions
“Kailangan nating malaman kung sino ang tunay na para sa Pilipino. Hindi pwedeng puro pangakong walang laman,” he stressed.
House Commitment to Defending Philippine Sovereignty
Khonghun reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty, highlighting Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s continuous push for stronger national defense and maritime security policies.
“The next batch of senators must be ready to legislate and defend our territorial integrity. The people deserve to know where they stand before they cast their votes,” he said.
He also pledged to work with fellow lawmakers to craft policies that will:
- Bolster maritime defense
- Provide aid to communities affected by WPS tensions
- Uphold Filipino rights in disputed waters
“Hindi tayo pwedeng sumuko o manahimik sa harap ng pambu-bully ng China. We are a nation of warriors, and we will not back down,” he asserted.
A Call for Vigilance in the Elections
Khonghun urged voters to be vigilant and discerning, emphasizing that their choices in the elections will shape the nation’s future.
“Walang puwang sa Senado ang sino mang takot o kumikiling sa China. Gamitin natin ang ating boto para sa mga kandidatong tunay na magtatanggol sa ating bayan,” he declared.