Many social media users were outraged when photos of red banners with the words “Welcome to the Philippines, Province of China” were hung on several footbridges in Metro Manila made the rounds social media.
The photos of the said banners appeared on social media yesterday, June 11, a day before the second anniversary of the Philippines’ victory over China in an international arbitration court.
Several netizens uploaded photos of the banners that they spotted on pedestrian overpasses in Philcoa, Quezon City; Quezon Avenue in Quezon City; C5 southbound lane; and near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay shared the photo on his Twitter account and asked officials and authorities to take it down.
“Not funny. On this day, July 12, we commemorate our victory in Philippines v. China. On Metro Manila footbridges, these tarps suddenly appear. MMDA, LGUs, and citizens should immediately take these down,” he wrote.
NOT FUNNY.
On this day, July 12, we commemorate our victory in Philippines v. China.
On Metro Manila footbridges, these tarps suddenly appear.
MMDA, LGUs, and citizens should immediately take these down. pic.twitter.com/gDR6BMbojI
— florin hilbay (@fthilbay) July 11, 2018
Other netizens also shared the same sentiment.
WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES, PROVINCE OF CHINA pic.twitter.com/yuibKCarpX
— fergal. (@rexxjffrsn) July 11, 2018
As of press time, it is still uncertain who put up the signs, but presidential spokesperson Harry Roque called them “enemies of the government”.
The Quezon City government has also ordered concerned departments to take down the said tarpaulins.
ADVISORY – The Quezon City government is directing its Department of Public Order and Safety and Parks Department as well as concerned barangays to take down all tarpaulin signs that say that the Philippines is a province of China.
— Quezon City PIO (@QCPublicAffairs) July 12, 2018
