Hontiveros: Government's response to Chinese missiles 'insult' to Filipino soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — The listless response of the Philippine government to China’s installation of missiles on three of its artificially-built outposts in the South China Sea is an “insult” to the bravery and sacrifices of the Filipino soldiers, opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Monday.

 

Hontiveros said that the weak response by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte in the face of China’s aggressive actions in the disputed waters was an “abdication” of its duty to protect the safety of Filipinos, especially fishermen.

 

She said that despite the lack of resources and infrastructure, Filipino soldiers stationed in the areas facing the South China Sea had bravely maintained the country’s presence in the region and ensured the integrity of the Philippine territory.

 

“It is thus a grave insult to our soldiers and a mockery of their sacrifices that the Duterte government has chosen to continue to be subservient to Chinese interests in the face of the country's biggest security threat,” Hontiveros said.

 

“Where is now the bravado of the so-called strongman? Our soldiers in the West Philippine Sea have been threatened with missiles, yet the commander in chief’s response is still pro-China? What kind of leadership is this?” she added.

 

READ: Philippines still verifying missiles in Spratlys amid China's confirmation

 

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Monday that China would not use its missiles against the Philippines because of the improving ties between the two nations.

 

Although expressing “concern” anew on the security developments in the region, Roque said in a press conference in the Palace, “[Y]ou can’t ignore the fact that because of very good relations, we can be confident that that China as a country does not view us as a threat and there is no reason why assuming they have missiles that they can use, they will use it on us.”

He also denied that the latest Chinese actions were a betrayal of its previous promise to the Philippines.

 

Hontiveros slammed the statements and said that these remarks were to be expected from China’s “fifth column,” a group of people which undermines a nation in favor of another country.

The Akbayan lawmaker wondered if it was already the policy of the government to allow superpowers to install missiles in the country’s backyard for as long as they were not directed at the Philippines.

 

"And how can they be sure? Were they informed by China about this? Did they have prior knowledge of the installation and existence of the missiles? Were they even there when they were installed? If not the Philippines, where are the missiles directed at? The government has a lot of explaining to do," Hontiveros said.

 

Last week, reports came out that China put anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of its artificial islands in the South China Sea.

 

The government said that the militarization of the dispute area was already under way even before Duterte took power in June 2016.

 

READ: Contrary to Roque's remark, China structures on man-made islands grew under Duterte's nose

 

Foreign Affairs Alan Cayetano said that Manila is seeking a multilateral approach to the escalating security problem, which could include involvement by the US and other Western powers.

 

He also expressed hope that a code of conduct of the parties to the dispute could be forged soon before tensions could further rise.

 

Roque meanwhile said that the Philippines is already in the process of acquiring an equipment that could help Manila better monitor developments in the South China Sea, a capacity the country does not have yet.

 

Hontiveros urged the government to mobilize international public opinion to support its position by filing a diplomatic protest faithful to the ruling of a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016.

 

She said the Philippines should also develop a coherent, consistent and progressive foreign policy considering the external challenges Manila is facing.

 

“Lastly, it is paramount that the administration upgrades our naval defenses with strategic naval vessels and equipment to better secure the country's sovereignty and territories,” the senator said.