Senators urge China to respect PH's rights in West Philippine Sea

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, in a statement, stressed that entering into a war and armed conflict is an “outdated and ill-advised method” to resolve disputes.

"Open lines of communications and dialogue” is still the best way to settle disputes and not the use of force, the senator said.

We may not agree on anything or we may agree on some things (but not all) and that is fine for as long as dialogue is on-going instead of merely reacting to the events that occur in the WPS each time something happens,” Escudero said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also asked for cooler heads and “respect” for the interest of both countries.

“China should also understand that the Philippines being a sovereign nation also has its own territorial sovereignty concerns and maritime rights and interests. We should also both realize, the sooner the better, that we really have contrasting positions,” Pimentel said.

Sen. Francis Tolentino said that he is now finalizing the bill that will identify the country’s maritime and admiralty zones.

Tolentino chairs the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones.

Source: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/12/20/23/senators-urge-china-to-respect-phs-rights-in-west-philippine-sea