Otso bets can’t use fishing boat to reach Panatag

MANILA, Philippines — After formally asking permission from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), senatorial candidates of the oppsition Otso Diretso alliance should now find an “appropriate” vessel that would take them to the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

Otso Diretso senatorial bet Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano formally sent a letter to PCG commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino last April 13, seeking permission to board a fishing boat that would take them to Panatag, which is currently being guarded by the Chinese coast guard – but it is not the only requirement in order for them to complete the voyage.

Last week, Otso Diretso senatorial candidates Alejano, former solicitor general Florin Hilbay, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno attempted to go to Panatag Shoal but they were reportedly prevented by the PCG from traveling to the disputed area.

PCG spokesman Captain Armand Balilo said the senatorial candidates would have to use an appropriate vessel and not just a fishing vessel because under the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) this type of vessel is not allowed to transport passengers. 

“The guidance of Admiral Hermogino is that they could not use a fishing boat. The admiral wants them to use an appropriate vessel that would take them to the shoal,” said Balilo. 

“Right from the very start they could not use the fishing boats as their mode of transport because this violates MARINA regulations. The fishing boat is not allowed to carry passengers,” he added.

Fishing vessels that carry passengers would be penalized.

He added that they are concerned with the safety of the senatorial candidates.

“Do not use a fishing vessel because we are not sure of its seaworthiness” in carrying passengers, he said. 

He explained that while there had been instances in the past when media crews were able to board a fishing boat that brought them to the shoal, the intention was for their story on the presence of the CCG in the West Philippine Sea. Balilo added that the media were allowed to use fishing boats because their story tackled how the situation affects the livelihood of fishermen in the area.

Just last week, Hermogino gave assurance that no one is barred from going to Panatag Shoal and that the aspiring senators must just have to coordinate with the Coast Guard. 

“The important thing here is that the PCG is aware, so that if in case something happens we would be able to account, for instance how many people do we need to rescue and who are these people,” Balilo earlier said.

Meanwhile, senatorial bet Gutoc assailed her critics about her incorrect wearing of life vest while preparing for their trip to Panatag Shoal.

“I am trying to break barriers. My vest does not say that I cannot serve the Filipino. My mistake in wearing the vest in Zambales that should not be viral. That’s not the issue, the issue is the intrusion into our waters. It’s not about my life vest but it’s about the life of this country,” Gutoc told reporters in Zamboanga City.

During the visit of some opposition senatorial bets to Zambales, a photo showed Gutoc wearing her life vest incorrectly.

Gutoc apologized for those who were emotionally affected by her incorrect wearing of life vest but appealed to the people that the issue should not be diverted and instead focus on the wrong government policy in dealing with the intrusion of the Chinese into territorial waters, affecting the lives of many residents in Zambales.  – With Roel Pareño