Senator Erwin Tulfo slammed claims of Chinese scholars that Batanes is part of China’s territory.
“Before, they claimed that the West Philippine Sea is theirs, now Batanes is also their territory? What’s next? Palawan? Zambales Cagayan?” Tulfo warned, blasting the claims of sovereignty over Batanes made by Chinese scholars during a June 30 symposium, labelling the northern Philippine province a “natural geographical extension” of Taiwan.
Tulfo pointed out the notable timing of the said claims coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the historic 2016 Arbitral Ruling in favor of the Philippines.
“It is ironic that we encounter this claim, in time when we just celebrated a decade of the Philippines’ victory at the 2016 Arbitral Ruling declaring that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is ours.”
“It is ironic that we encounter this claim, in time when we just celebrated a decade of the Philippines’ victory at the 2016 Arbitral Ruling declaring that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is ours,” the legislator said.
The lawmaker then renewed his call to pass his filed Senate Bill 1625 known as “West Philippine Sea Education Act” which he sees as one of the proactive measures to repel disinformation about the country’s territory.
“We have to act fast in ensuring that Filipinos are not easily swayed by these kinds of claims.”
“We have to act fast in ensuring that Filipinos are not easily swayed by these kinds of claims. As early as Basic Education, Filipinos must be equipped with knowledge about Philippine sovereignty,” the senator remarked.
“If this bill becomes a law, there will be age-appropriate instructions, anchored on internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, and Philippine laws integrated on learning materials,” he emphasized.
Tulfo’s bill also mandates the Department of Education to carry out appropriate training for teachers and educators on WPS Education.
He said being knowledgeable about the country’s territory is not only a matter of patriotism, but also a practical way to inform citizens on what is rightfully theirs, not only on paper but also when it comes to resources.
“Baseless claims that certain parts of the Philippines belong to other countries should not be given credence and must be repelled on all fronts,” Tulfo stressed.
“We will continue to stand firm, defend our territory, and protect what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people,” he concluded.
