Hontiveros backs measure creating gov't think tank on WPS

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has expressed support for a bill filed in the House of Representatives that seeks to establish a think tank called the Center for West Philippine Sea Studies under the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Introduced by Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez last year, House Bill 7824 is pending before the House special committee on the West Philippine Sea.

"I’m inclined to support this measure, considering how it is essential that we keep thinking of more creative strategies to better defend the WPS. Mahalaga ang malalim na pag-aaral para maprotektahan ang ating karagatan, karapatan, at soberanya (In-depth studies are crucial to protect our seas, rights, and sovereignty," Hontiveros said in a text message to reporters.

She said that the Philippines' victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 was because of "deep and exhaustive legal and historical research, discussions, and debates."

"Having a think tank like this proposed Center for West Philippine Sea Studies can all the more contribute to the wealth of knowledge and information that could only strengthen our claims," she said.

Hontiveros also emphasized the need for the proposed Blue Economy Act, which she said will "promote a sustainable development of our country’s marine resources, not least those that are within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the West Philippine Sea."

According to Hontiveros, this proposed measure will ensure that Filipinos, particularly the fisherfolk and other coastal communities, will benefit from the natural resources in the WPS.

"Through this measure, the government is pushed to play an active role in ensuring that the marine life within our EEZ is protected, our resources kept intact, and our future secured," she said.

The proposed Blue Economy Act is now up for deliberations in the bicameral conference committee.

Hontiveros also suggested the celebration of National West Philippine Sea Day every July 12 to "remind not only Filipinos, but the entire world, how the Philippines fought peacefully for what is ours, for what is right."

The lawmaker highlighted this amid the recent aggressive actions of China against the Philippines, the latest of which was a series of confrontations in Escoda Shoal—an area located within the WPS but being claimed by China.

"Celebrating National WPS Day every July 12 is a way for us to always remember our historic win at the Hague. Paraan ito para matiyak na ang panalong ito ay hindi tratuhing parang papel lang na pwedeng itapon sa basura (This is a way to ensure that our victory will not be treated as a piece of paper that can be thrown away anytime)," she said.

"It should be part of our history lessons. This landmark legal victory should be kept alive in the hearts of our people," she added.

On July 12, 2016, the Hague-based tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and declared China's massive and historic claim in the South China Sea illegal and baseless under international law. China does not recognize the ruling. — VBL, GMA Integrated News