Photo of President Duterte (left) and Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio
written on July 16, 2021
President Rody Duterte said in July 2020 he was “inutile” against China’s territory and resource grabbing in the West Philippine Sea. “I cannot do anything,” he conceded in his fifth annual State of the Nation Address. “Just cool off … [pursue] diplomatic endeavors.”
Yesterday retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio suggested five actions for the country. Poor fishers groan of dwindled catch as China coastguards occupying Philippine reefs menace them.
Following is Carpio’s proposal, “What Can Be Done after Five Years of Inaction by Duterte,” at 1Sambayan’s forum (edited for space):
“Five years ago in Dec. 2016 President Duterte announced he was setting aside the Arbitral Award. Here are five actions the Philippines can take.
“(1) Immediately withdraw the authorization by President Duterte for Chinese to fish in Philippine exclusive economic zone. The Constitution reserves the nation’s marine wealth in our EEZ for exclusive use and enjoyment of Filipino citizens. Only Filipinos can fish in Philippine EEZs.
“President Duterte has no authority to allow Chinese to fish in the WPS. China has the largest fishing fleet in the world. Chinese fishermen are scooping the fish in the WPS, leaving very little to Filipinos. We now have to import galunggong (round scad) from China, our own galunggong which Chinese fishermen get from the WPS. It is now twice as expensive as chicken. Filipino fishermen and consumers are suffering because of an unconstitutional policy of President Duterte favoring Chinese.
President Rody Duterte said in July 2020 he was “inutile” against China’s territory and resource grabbing in the West Philippine Sea. “I cannot do anything,” he conceded in his fifth annual State of the Nation Address. “Just cool off … [pursue] diplomatic endeavors.”
Yesterday retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio suggested five actions for the country. Poor fishers groan of dwindled catch as China coastguards occupying Philippine reefs menace them.
Following is Carpio’s proposal, “What Can Be Done after Five Years of Inaction by Duterte,” at 1Sambayan’s forum (edited for space):
“Five years ago in Dec. 2016 President Duterte announced he was setting aside the Arbitral Award. Here are five actions the Philippines can take.
“(1) Immediately withdraw the authorization by President Duterte for Chinese to fish in Philippine exclusive economic zone. The Constitution reserves the nation’s marine wealth in our EEZ for exclusive use and enjoyment of Filipino citizens. Only Filipinos can fish in Philippine EEZs.
“President Duterte has no authority to allow Chinese to fish in the WPS. China has the largest fishing fleet in the world. Chinese fishermen are scooping the fish in the WPS, leaving very little to Filipinos. We now have to import galunggong (round scad) from China, our own galunggong which Chinese fishermen get from the WPS. It is now twice as expensive as chicken. Filipino fishermen and consumers are suffering because of an unconstitutional policy of President Duterte favoring Chinese.
Sinovac safety efficacy and price still need clarifying
Sinovac safety efficacy and price still need clarifying
* * *
Catch “Sapol” radio show, Saturdays, 8-10 a.m., dwIZ (882-AM)
“Gotcha: An Exposé on the Philippine Government” is available as e-book and paperback. Get a free copy of “Chapter 1: Beijing’s Bullying and Duplicity”. Simply subscribe to my newsletter HERE. Book orders also accepted there.