Senate President Tito Sotto says it’s better to come up with our own map to assert our rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Sotto told ABS-CBN News that apart from creating our own maritime map, the Philippines should conduct oil exploration in its maritime waters.
Sotto said that the country can partner with other countries or private firms for joint oil exploration.
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“Why don’t we start exploration already in these contested areas that we know are ours? If we cannot do it alone, we can have other countries or private companies that are interested. Even China itself,” he said.
Sotto also mentioned the possibility of creating our own map.
“Why don’t we make our own map? Make our own 9-dash line. I think that’s a very good suggestion. Let’s insist on our own and God forbid they cross the line, the Mutual Defense Treaty will kick in. I think it’s just a matter of setting our foot down,” Sotto told ABS-CBN News.
Sotto said that he is mulling on the possibility of filing a bill.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs has filed another diplomatic protest against the “incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities” of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels in the vicinity of the Pag-Asa islands, demanding that China withdraw vessels.
So far the Philippines has filed 100 diplomatic protests under the Duterte administration. (TDT)
