Without conditions
For sure, our fishermen would want to be able to go back to Panatag Shoal. One of the goals of President Duterte's recent trip to China was to do just that. But when he came back, all he could say was "soon," "be patient," and "in a few days". But while the fishermen were happy with the possibility or returning to their livelihood, even they know that asking for permission from the Chinese is not the way to go. Even the fishermen believe that Panatag Shoal belongs to the Philippines. They should be allowed to return, without any conditions. That is short of saying they would want to see the Chinese ships, that have remained in Panatag Shoal all these years, leave the area.
In fact, they even said that Duterte should have brought up the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration when he went to Beijing. Duterte has stressed that he would not do so, at least not yet, as he put on the charm to get as much aid and investment from China. He did not want to antagonize what he wants to be the country's new best friend while simultaneously dumping the US. He did come back with billions of dollars in agreed aid and investment. That we will have to see.
Some have seen Duterte's setting the court ruling aside as weakening the position of the country. Indeed, when you have won a case that puts you on the side of the law. China's refusal to recognize the court ruling complicates the whole shift to China policy. With all the money being thrown at the country's feet-they have recently donated around ninety million pesos in aid for typhoon Lawin's victims-is that in exchange for no longer bringing up the issue of territories and exclusive economic zone rights? As the saying goes, "No such thing as a free lunch."
Duterte is set to visit Japan next. Japan is a strong ally of the United States. When his "separation from the US" speech came out, Japan was one of the first countries to react, seeking clarification. Duterte has said that he would respect Japan's territorial claims, as it has its own territorial problems with China. If he can respect Japan's claims, why can't he ask China to respect ours?
With all this talk, or non-talk about territorial issues, and with China obvious buttering up the country, I believe all the more should we watch our territories, particularly Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre is located. China has always wanted the rusting ship removed. It was purposely run aground to serve as living quarters for Philippine Marines, who to this day, stand their ground despite terrible conditions. Supply runs to the ship must continue, and not abated nor prevented by anyone. The Chinese have tried to block supply runs before, forcing the AFP to airdrop supplies. If the Chinese believe they are now in a better position to remove the ship, they must be told otherwise.
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