Senators on Monday condemned China’s alleged seizure of Sandy Cay, calling it a violation of Philippine sovereignty and international law.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said Beijing should “stop creating drama” following reports that Chinese forces planted a flag on Sandy Cay, a sandbar near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
“The photoshoot gimmick and supposed planting of the Chinese flag on Sandy Cay is just another spectacle orchestrated by Beijing. No self-respecting State would take it to mean that China now has sovereign rights over it,” she assured.
According to Hontiveros, international law clearly affirms that Sandy Cay belongs to the Philippines, located just about two nautical miles from the inhabited Pag-asa Island.
However, she noted that since 2017, during the Duterte administration, Filipinos have been unable to approach Sandy Cay due to China’s continued presence.
“Our government should take appropriate action to safeguard our claim. If we don’t, this might even undermine our presence on Pag-asa Island,” she reminded.
She expressed confidence that the Department of Foreign Affairs would lodge a diplomatic protest and called for intensified joint patrols by the Philippine Coast Guard in the area.
“Sandy Cay belongs to the Philippines and no amount of island hopping by the Chinese Coast Guard will muddle the truth,” she added.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also demanded clarity on China’s actions, warning that they pose a serious threat to national sovereignty and security.
“If these claims are proven to be unfounded, it is yet another attempt to distort the reality of the situation and spread fake news,” he said.
He revealed that the Inter-Agency Maritime Operation had conducted patrols near Sandy Cay to affirm Philippine maritime rights.
Estrada also urged government agencies to remain vigilant and act swiftly against any encroachments on Philippine territory.
“We must stay vigilant and resolute in protecting our sovereignty and maritime rights,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino strongly condemned the reported occupation, calling it a blatant affront to Philippine sovereignty.
Tolentino stressed that Sandy Cay is undeniably part of Philippine territory under international law.
“We must not let this kind of abuse pass. We need to file the strongest diplomatic protest and strengthen our defense in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
Tolentino vowed that the Philippines would not allow its rights and dignity as a sovereign nation to be trampled.
