Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday insisted that it is crucial that the Philippine government raise the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue to the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The opposition senator issued this following reports that China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels pursued two Philippine ships in a resupply mission last June 30.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua were escorting a small boat on a resupply mission to Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre when they encountered “an armada” of CCG militia, which had just arrived from Scarborough Shoal, Hontiveros said.
After the resupply, the Chinese ships pursued the PCG ships to the east, the senator added.
“I hope that the Senate can tackle my resolution regarding this as soon as session resumes, as we need the support of the wider international community to stop China’s unbridled aggression,” said Hontiveros.
Earlier, she filed Senate Resolution 659, urging the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs “to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA calling on China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels within the WPS.”
Hontiveros slammed China for being reckless and irresponsible.
“Her continued attempts to illegally occupy our territories only demonstrate her complete disrespect of international law,” she emphasized.
If the Chinese authoritarian regime truly wants to be the regional leader, Hontiveros said China should act responsibly by de-escalating tensions in the region.
She said China should not fan the flames by engaging in these rash actions outside her territorial sea.