Maybe you’re one of those who hear “West
Philippine Sea ” over the radio almost every day. Maybe you’re
among those who are aware that the issue is not yet over, but never bothered to
care. If you are one of those, maybe it’s about time to think again.
I have to clarify that I am no expert in this issue.
However, let me dissect the updates and some important details regarding this.
First, the Philippine government is continuously pushing for
a peaceful settlement for the West Philippine Sea
through bilateral and multilateral initiatives.
But China
seems to be deaf on the Philippines China South
China Sea .
Such claim prevented the Philippines Philippines
has a significant oil and gas plus other mineral deposits, especially around Palawan .
Is the nine-dashed claim legal? Is it valid? The country is
hopeful that the claim would be declared illegal and unlawful.
In an article, Atty. Henry Bensurto, head of the Department
of Foreign Affairs (DFA) legal team on the West Philippine Sea, explained that
the claim is really far from China’s nearest landmass, and actually extends
more than 800 nm, which does not only covers 80 percent of the Philippines EEZ,
but also those of Malaysia and Vietnam’s.
Furthermore, the country fights for its maritime
entitlement, to make the most out of the sea within the 200 EEZ.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
grants coastal states sovereign rights over economic resources, legal
jurisdictions over certain types of sea-based activities within 200 n.m. EEZ
and the continental measured from their baselines. The country has signed and
ratified this. UNCLOS provides the country some advantages with regard to
access to resources as well as some forms of regulatory jurisdiction over 2
million square kilometres of water and seabed.
In a documentary aired in People’s Television, some Filipino
fishermen said they were harassed (on different occasions) by Chinese coast
guards, and added that guns were pointed at them, forcing them to leave the
Scarborough Shoal.
The Scarborough Shoal is said to be the fishing grounds of
many fisher folk in various coastal towns in Zambales and Pangasinan.
So, aside from trespassing in the Philippines
The dispute now depends in an arbitration case filed at the
Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague ,
Netherlands
The Philippine government believes that the issue can be
resolved in a peaceful manner, and also recognizes the crucial role of the
international community. Thus, the Philippines
It was said that the arbitral tribunal has scheduled two
hearings, the first one was held last July 7-8, and the second was last July
14. The Philippines
Whatever happens to tribunal, I guess it’s not just a fight
between two governments, but of every Juan. Remember, it’s not just the
fishermen who are involved here, but everyone, including the future
generations.
The West Philippine Sea
dispute might sound so complicated, but it’s not yet late to be informed and
take a stand. Actually, the government wants the public to be aware and updated
about the issue. Together with the Philippine Information Agency, the DFA is
currently conducting a multi-sectoral campaign, to ensure everyone will have a
deeper understanding of the issue.
This is not to impose ideas; it’s up to you to decide.
Should every Juan care and take a stand?
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784323
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