US aid on Chinese vessels in WPS requires ‘serious study’

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo holds a press briefing for the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on Monday, November 26, 2018, at the New Executive Building (NEB) in Malacañang. (Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said seeking security assistance from the United States amid the continued presence of Chinese vessels in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) requires serious study.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it will be up to President Rodrigo R. Duterte to determine whether he finds it necessary to seek help from the Philippines’ long-time ally.

Under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and U.S., the allies must provide aid in case of an armed attack against either Washington or Manila by an external party.

Panelo emphasized that allowing the U.S. to step in might have “repercussions” on the two countries.

“We’ll wait for the President’s decision on that. These are very serious matters, and require serious study,” said Panelo in a Palace briefing.

“Because there may be repercussions on both sides,” he added.

To date, the Philippines has already lodged a “salvo of notes verbale” against China’s continued activity in the disputed waters.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., however, admitted that China has not responded to any of them yet.

Panelo, however, said the Philippines is currently contented with ongoing bilateral negotiations being undertaken by the two countries.

He also expressed hope that China would respond to the diplomatic protest “in time”.

“Wala namang iba sa ngayon na pupuwede (There’s nothing else we can do at the moment). In the meanwhile, (let’s stick with) negotiations tayo,” Panelo said.

“We’re still waiting. I’m sure they will respond in time,” he added.

Giant clams

Panelo, meanwhile assured that the foreign affairs department will be taking legal action against Chinese nationals harvesting giant clams in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Reports showed that Chinese nationals continue to extract giant clams in what has been recognized as a traditional fishing ground off the coast of Zambales.

“I think the Secretary of Foreign Affairs already made a tweet on that. He said he will take legal action. He had already filed a note verbale or diplomatic protest,” Panelo said.

The presidential spokesperson pointed out that since China has been “consistent” in performing acts of ownership or sovereignty over those areas, the Philippines should do the same.

“We have to be consistent with ours. As far as we are concerned, that is ours so we will be objecting to any intrusion into our own territory,” Panelo assured.

Panelo said it was also the President’s call to bring up the issue during his attendance in the upcoming Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China on April 25.