The Palawan Provincial Board has expressed support for the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) planned diplomatic protest against China while condemning its latest actions in the West Philippine Sea, including a confrontation near Ayungin Shoal and an AI-generated video by Chinese state media depicting Filipinos as monkeys.
During the Provincial Board’s session, Board Member Juan Antonio Alvarez denounced what he described as China’s continued aggression in the disputed waters, citing the two incidents that occurred within the past week.
“Two separate incidents, two condemnable actions by China. So, I will always and forever fight for our sovereignty over those over West Philippine Sea,” Alvarez said.
He said he would file two separate resolutions — one would express support for the DFA’s diplomatic protest over the AI-generated video, while the other would condemn China’s continued acts of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
“I would like to move to have a resolution approved, supporting the diplomatic protest of our Department of Foreign Affairs nung nangyari sa China, and condemning the actions, once again, ’no, nung ginawa ng ating kapitbahay na nambubully sa atin sa ating West Philippine Sea,” he said.
He said Palawan would continue speaking out in defense of the country’s sovereign rights despite what he described as bullying and violent actions by the China Coast Guard.
“Kahit paulit-ulit tayong magsalita dito tungkol diyan, hindi tayo magsasawa dahil kung idadaan nila tayo sa dahas, idadaan natin sila sa ating puso at salita sa pakikipaglaban sa ating soberanya sa West Philippine Sea,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez also noted that the latest confrontation came shortly after the Philippines marked the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea.
He said it was disheartening that China continued its activities in the disputed waters despite the tribunal’s decision.
“Nakakalungkot lang, kaka-celebrate lang natin ng ating 10th anniversary, tapos sinabayan kaagad nila ng pambubully na naman,” he said.
The proposed resolutions are expected to be taken up by the Provincial Board.
