Senate expresses ‘disgust’ over China Coast Guard incident at Pag-asa Island

The Senate of the Philippines on Wednesday adopted an unnumbered resolution expressing the chamber's "disgust" at the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

This came after Senator Francis Tolentino delivered a privilege speech and showed footage of an incident near Pag-asa Island in November in which the Chinese Coast Guard could be seen taking suspected rocket debris retrieved by  Philippine Navy personnel.

The Chinese Embassy, however, denied that the Chinese Coast Guard forcefully retrieved the object, saying that it was done through "friendly consultation."

China also used the term following reports earlier this month of Chinese vessels "swarming" areas in the West Philippine Sea.

After the speech, several senators expressed their anger over the situation.

"That damning video, subukan ng Chinese ambassador sa Pilipinas ipagmukhang 'friendly consultation' iyan," Senator Risa Hontiveros said.

The Philippines has sent a note verbale to China over the incident.

However, the senators also noted China's apparent disregard of numerous diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines.

"Bawal ang bully sa mundo, Mr. President," Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda said.

Responding to Legarda, Tolentino reminded her that "the other side is listening."

But Legarda said she intentionally called them out in open session.

"I want them to hear it, that's why I am making my voice loud and clear. Wala akong sinasabing bully. Bawal ang bully. Kung sino matamaan siya ang masaktan," she said.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa also expressed anger over the matter.

"Ayaw nating maging war freak, pero gusto natin ipakita sa kanila, iparamdam sa mga kababayan na tayo punong-puno na sa mga ginagawa ng mga Chinese na ito," he said.

"Kung nakikinig kayo, mga Chinese, galit na kami. To tell you frankly, we are mad by what you are doing to our troops. That’s simple bullying. We cannot tolerate that act to happen again," he added.

Before adopting the resolution, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Senate wanted to express their "disgust on what had transpired in this particular incident."

All members of the chamber were made co-author of the resolution. — BM, GMA Integrated News