(HEAD TOPICS) Senate President Pro Tempore and defense committee chairperson Jinggoy Estrada emphasized Sunday that Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea is within Manila’s exclusive economic zone , denying Beijing’s infringement claims.
“There is no reason for us to withdraw our vessel, which was anchored in response to suspected reclamation activities of China,” said Estrada. He underscored it is China that actually encroaching on the Philippines’ EEZ, not the other way around. Estrada noted the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the area are “non-negotiable” and any challenges to these rights are “baseless.” He reaffirmed his support for the PCG and the Filipino troops, declaring, “Atin ito at ipaglalaban natin ito .”