The Philippine government can only do so much as protest China's actions in the West Philippine Sea as Beijing has control over the area, Malacañang said Monday.

"They have to show proof that is being done now again because if it's being done, certainly we will protest."

A fisherfolk group on Monday appealed to the government to protest China's blockade of Scarborough or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Amid the global controversy surrounding Huawei and the government’s perceived inaction over the concerns raised, the question beckons: Is the national security threat posed by Huawei credible? And if yes, what are its implications to the country’s national security and sovereignty?

The plight of Filipino fishermen affected by Chinese presence in the West Philippine Sea was the primary concern in the communication submitted before the International Criminal Court.