MANILA—Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday denounced China’s continued harassment and bullying of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as “uncivilized and shameless.” His statement followed the recent incident where two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships were heavily damaged after being rammed by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels near Escoda Shoal, just 139 kilometers from the Palawan coast.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG’s BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) were damaged during the August 19 encounter while en route to Patag and Lawak Islands. “The problem with China is that they are uncivilized. They have to act in a civilized manner; they are already looking uncivilized,” Estrada said during the Kapihan sa Senado forum. He further criticized China for their inconsistent actions, stating that while they engage in talks with the Philippines, their behavior remains aggressive and disrespectful.
Estrada, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, also defended the Philippines’ decision to seek assistance from its allies, noting the country’s limitations compared to China. “We are a third-world country. We are a small country. We are not mightier as compared to China. It’s only natural that we have to ally with these countries,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino earlier called on the National Security Council to demand compensation from China for the damage sustained by the two PCG vessels, labeling the incident as “unacceptable.”
In a related development, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted China’s disregard for international norms, particularly their actions that have led to the destruction of ecosystems in the WPS. Teodoro described China’s version of international law as “perverted,” adding that the global community should be aware of the continuous violations committed by China in the region.