PRESIDENTIAL Spokesman Harry Roque on Monday described as “premature” Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio’s call for the government to file a diplomatic protest against China amid the reported presence of Chinese military planes on Panganiban Reef or Mischief Reef in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
Roque said the Department of Foreign Affairs is looking at all diplomatic avenues to respond to China’s action to ease possible tension between the two countries.
“I don’t think [Carpio] should preempt any decision of the secretary of Foreign Affairs. The secretary of Foreign Affairs has said they are looking at all diplomatic responses to these latest reports,” the spokesman said.
Carpio earlier urged the government to file a diplomatic protest after two military airplanes were seen on the island, confirming allegations that China is increasing its military presence in the region.
The magistrate warned that silence on the matter may be taken as implied consent.
Panganiban Reef is located within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, almost all of which is claimed by China and other Southeast Asian countries.
Surveillance images taken on Jan. 6 showed two Xian Y-7 military transport planes 20 to 50 meters apart on the ramp near Runway 21 on Panganiban, one of seven reefs in the Spratlys that China has transformed into artificial islands with military capabilities.
But Roque maintained that the Duterte administration continues to rely on “China’s good faith” as it believes the communist country will not expand its “islands” in the vital waterway.
