Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list on Wednesday echoed the position of think tank Stratbase Institute, which criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for downplaying China’s actions in the South China Sea.
The Stratbase Institute earlier said Duterte’s remarks could undermine the country’s legal position and serve Beijing’s interests.
Acidre agreed, saying the Vice President’s statement could weaken the Philippines’ stance under the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims.
“Fighting for our sovereignty means standing firm, speaking clearly, and showing the world that we will not be bullied in our own backyard,” Acidre said.
He added that Duterte should have issued statements that uphold the country’s sovereignty.
“Every statement from our leaders should strengthen—not weaken—our legal and moral position. We owe it to our fishermen, our soldiers, and every Filipino who believes that our seas are worth defending,” he said.
“This is not the time for vague words or mixed signals. This is the time to speak with courage, act with clarity, and stand with unwavering love for our country,” Acidre added.
