China will always see PH presence in WPS – Marcos

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized that Manila will maintain its presence in the disputed waters, regardless of the actions taken by Beijing. (PCO file photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the ongoing presence of China’s “monster ship” in Philippine waters.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized that Manila will maintain its presence in the disputed waters, regardless of the actions taken by Beijing.

“They will always find the Philippine presence, no matter what they do. Kahit na banggain ang barko natin, kahit mag-water cannon sila, mag-laser sila, kahit mag-block sila – kahit anong gawin nila, laging nandiyan ang Pilipinas (Even of they ram our ships, water cannon us, fire us with laser or block our way, no matter what they do, the Philippines will be there),” Marcos told Palace reporters.

“We will always be there protecting our territory.

We will always be there making sure our fishermen are able to exercise their sovereign rights,” he stressed.

Although he conceded that the Philippines doesn’t have the means to match and fully drive away China’s monster ship, Marcos said the Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty.

“Ang policy naman natin (But our policy) is we will just continue to defend our sovereign territory and our sovereign rights in the [our Exclusive Economic Zone],” the President said.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has driven China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed the “monster ship” for its size, farther from the Zambales coastline where it has been hovering for nearly a month now.

CCG 5901 was first spotted 54 nautical miles from Zambales shores on Jan. 4 but has since been pushed back by BRP Teresa Magbanua.

‘For the headline’

The President also weighed in on recent statements by Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who dismissed the term “West Philippine Sea,” claiming there was no such thing in other country’s maps.

The President suggested Marcoleta’s comments were likely an attempt to gain attention in the wake of the upcoming elections where the latter is seeking a Senate seat.

“He’s a candidate, so he has to grab headlines. We’re talking about him na (already). Magaling talaga siya sa ganyan (He’s good in doing that),” Marcos said.