Survey said….

“Welcome to the Philippines, Province of China”. This is what surprised many in Metro Manila when tarpaulins with the said greeting suddenly showed up on several pedestrian overpasses. Some laughed, some didn’t. Some said the tarpaulins were just stating the truth. The Palace immediately accused “enemies of the administration” as those behind the stunt. The tarpaulins came out on the second anniversary of the victory of the Philippines at the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s “nine-dash line.” However, President Duterte decided to put aside the victory in his desire to be Beijing’s new friend, and in exchange for huge financial assistance for his ambitious infrastructure projects.

But in the latest Pulse Asia survey, 73 percent of Filipinos believe Duterte should assert and protect our sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, and enforce our Exclusive Economic Zone. At present, we need to ask China’s permission to fish in our own waters. In the same survey, many Filipinos believe the administration should file a strong protest with the Chinese Embassy in the country against the continued militarization of the artificial islands. As expected, the Palace dared anyone to file a case against their supposed inaction on the West Philippine Sea. Duterte also said that he does not care about the dip in his popularity. Undoubtedly he would not care about this latest Pulse Asia survey. In other words, he does not care about the pulse of the people. He just continues to do what he wants.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio urged the administration to take part in the freedom of navigation and overflights in the South China Sea, in order to strengthen the country’s status in relation to the UN’s decision two years ago. Justice Carpio is at the forefront in fighting for the country’s rights on the sea. But Duterte would definitely not send any of our warships to the South China Sea alongside warships of other countries, lest he anger China. Two of our warships are in Hawaii to participate in the Rimpac exercises, along with many other navies. China was disinvited to join Rimpac.

According to Carpio, it should be clear to everyone that Panatag Shoal and Ayungin Shoal are official “red lines.” In the event that China violates them and starts building structures similar to other artificial islands, or if they forcefully pull out the BRP Sierra Madre from his location, the United States will assist militarily as stipulated in the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). At present, the two areas are not officially recognized by the US as official territory of the Philippines, therefore are not covered by the MDT.

The PNP is being tasked to identify those behind the putting up of the controversial banners. But legal experts do not believe putting up the banners are criminal offenses in themselves, or even seditious in nature. They may have violated local government ordinances with regards to the putting up of banners in public places without the proper permits. The Palace may just be reading too much into it, saying they were meant to embarrass the government.

Did it?