(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada cussed at China’s continued bullying in the country’s territories.
At Tuesday’s Kapihan sa Senado, Estrada expressed exasperation over China’s unrelenting aggression against Filipino troops.
The senator believes there is already enough basis to warrant the filing of another case against China.
“Binabasa natin araw-araw sa mga pahayagan, araw-araw binu-bully tayo. Kung ano-ano naririnig natin; kawawa rin lang ating mga sundalo,” Estrada said.
(We read every day in newspapers that we are being bullied every day. We hear all sorts of things; our soldiers also suffer.)
“’Yung sinasabi nilang kapag mayroon mag-trespass dun sa territory natin, ide-detain nila? P*t*ng*na…sorry… ‘Di naman yata tama yun,” he said.
(They said that anyone who trespasses our territory, they will detain? Son of b*tch… sorry… That’s not right.)
China earlier approved a new policy that would allow its coast guard to detain foreign trespassers for up to 60 days without trial. This is set to take effect on June 15, according to reports.
READ: DFA concerned over China’s new policy on detaining ‘trespassers’
Just last month, however, the China Coast Guard (CCG) reportedly seized food and other provisions for Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
READ: China Coast Guard seizes PH supplies for Ayungin
“Sobra namang palala nang palala itong ginagawang pambu-bully sa atin nitong Chinese Coast Guard, and that’s a reason to be alarmed,” he said.
(The bullying by the Chinese Coast Guard is escalating, and that’s a reason to be alarmed.)
And this bullying by China continued despite efforts to reduce the tension between the two countries, the senator lamented.
Despite all this, Estrada said the Philippines is left with only one option, which is to file a diplomatic protest or case against Beijing.
“We have already filed mga (around) 300 or 600 diplomatic protests at pakiramdam ko walang nangyayari (and I feel like nothing is happening) but still that is our only option to file a diplomatic protest,” he said.
“Hindi naman natin pwedeng gyerahin ‘yang mga ‘yan,” he added.
(We can’t just go to war with them.)
When asked about raising the case before an international tribunal, Estrada said it could be another option he was willing to support.