Palace backs DFA ban on foreign survey ships in PH EEZ

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this comment after Locsin said he would be amending the ban to include the sailing of ships from China following reports of sightings of Chinese survey vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said that it supports the decision of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. to include China on the list of countries banned from sailing along Philippine waters.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this comment after Locsin said he would be amending the ban to include the sailing of ships from China following reports of sightings of Chinese survey vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Panelo said policies of the foreign department are also policies of the Duterte administration.

“Basta kung ano ‘yung sinabi ng Department iyon ang policy ng administrasyon (Whatever the Department says, that’s the policy of the administration) unless the President (Rodrigo Duterte) makes another policy statement,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Locsin earlier prohibited ships from France and Japan from sailing within the country’s EEZ. He included China to “universalize” the ban.

“I banned marine survey ships, amending restriction to France & Japan by adding China. To pick & choose invites suspicion of favoritism. Will universalize the ban. Period. Granting exception to one country will automatically lift ban universally. Exceptions invite bribes,” Locsin said in a tweet on Sunday.

Reports showed that earlier this month, there were two Chinese survey vessels sailing within the Philippine EEZ and believed to be conducting marine scientific research or a military survey.

Chinese vessels have been spotted sailing along Philippine waters without the Philippine government’s permission several times this year.

Panelo earlier said there is nothing wrong with seeking assistance from the United States in monitoring the Philippine EEZ.