Filipinos’ support for military action in WPS justified, but lawmakers say diplomatic solution still the best way

HOUSE leaders on Thursday said that although it is encouraging to know that many Filipinos support Philippine troops in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the best way to respond to China’s aggression in Philippine territory is still through diplomatic solutions.

Isabela Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy V, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, and Manila Rep. Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr. all said that the recent OCTA Research survey showing 73% of Filipinos agreeing to military action against China in the WPS, and 72% also favor a diplomatic approach is justified, given the illegal encroachment of Chinese vessels in Philippine territory.

“Naiintindihan po natin kung bakit ganito ang sentimento ng ating mga kababayan ngayon, dahil napakaraming incident na nabully tayo, na-harass tayo, sa sarili nating teritoryo, so normal lamang na ganito po ang nararamdaman din ng ating mga kababayan,” Dy said during the daily press briefing of the House of Representatives.

“That's why on our end as members of Congress, budget season is coming up, we can lobby and we can fight na madagdagan ang funding po natin para sa mga better surveillance, budget po para sa ating Coast Guard at sa ibang ahensya ng gobyerno natin,” he added. 

“Kinakailangan po nila ng mas marami pang suporta para mas magawa nila ng mas maayos ang kanilang mga katungkulan,” Dy said. 

Acidre focused on the OCTA survey result showing 72% of Filipinos favoring diplomatic means to resolve the issues with China, and said this shows mass support for the policies of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Nakikita na ang mga Pilipino ay nagkakaisa, at everybody is almost agreeing whether by diplomatic means, whether by military presence, na kailangan natin ipaglaban ang soberanya natin at ang ating sovereign rights sa WPS,” Acidre said.

“That's a good indicator of how much trust the President and the administration has in pursuing a diplomatic solution … were still pursuing the diplomatic channels … Kung nakikita niyo, palaging naghahain tayong diplomatic protest, pero at the same time we also making sure that we are capable of defending our boundaries,” he added.

Acidre, together with Dionisio, said multilateral talks with countries who have a similar situation as the Philippines also form part of the diplomatic solution.

“Hindi natin gusto ng giyera. Pero it is our right to defend the sovereignty of our country. Kaya ‘yung mga sinasabi ng iba na maliit tayo, hindi natin kaya ang China, meron tayong mga kakampi, like-minded countries who are willing to support our country,” Dionisio said.

“Magsama-sama tayo, let’s be united to answer this bully. Hindi dapat lalaban lang tayo dun sa kaya lang nating ipanalo. We fight the fight that needs fighting. Kailangan natin ipaglaban ‘yung dapat,” he added. (END)

———— MULA SA KAMARA DE REPRESENTANTES, TERENCE MORDENO GRANA, NAG-UULAT PARA SA ARMED FORCE RADIO, BOSES NG KAWAK PILIPINO ————— This is Terence Mordeno Grana, reporting for AFP Community News, One AFP for Stronger Philippines.