Upholding sovereignty
Some opposition candidates tried to go to Panatag Shoal to see firsthand what the Chinese ships are doing to Filipinos who approach the area, specifically fishermen. There have been many reports of the Chinese doing so, forcing our fishermen to contend with fishing in already congested and depleted waters. But according to them, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) barred them from going, citing “national security.” According to the PCG, there is no policy preventing anybody from going to Panatag Shoal. So who is telling the truth? Were the candidates stopped because they saw it as a political statement? And if they were truly prevented, what exactly could they do to endanger our national security?
It would have been good to see the candidates, along with media, reach Panatag Shoal to document what is going on. It really depends on whom you ask. If the fishermen from the nearest fishing village are asked, they are harassed or their catch is scrutinized, unfairly bartered, or even taken. If the PCG is asked, there is no report of fishermen being harassed. Perhaps they can try again, now that the PCG has gone on record that there is no policy barring the travel. The candidates also called on President Duterte to carry out his campaign promise of "I will ride a jet ski and plant our flag there”, even providing a jet ski. But we all know that was just for his voters’ entertainment.
Meanwhile, the Palace was quick to label the planned Panatag Shoal trip as a “publicity stunt” meant to draw attention. Apparently it worked, as it drew their attention. What is a campaign if not to draw attention? If the administration's candidates are dancing and doing whatever gets them into the Senate, the opposition would prefer to stick to issues and platforms. I wonder what would hapeen if an administration candidate tried to go, would he have been allowed, even given protection?
It is ironic that part of President Duterte's speech on Araw ng Kagitingan is "to uphold the sovereignty and in protecting the rights and freedoms that our people enjoy today.” At a time when Chinese ships surround Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea, when a Chinese-manned ship dredge Lobo River and sell the sand to China, and a report that many Chinese workers are already in the country, the president is talking about upholding sovereignty.
In that case, the government should uphold it first.
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