Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Friday criticized China for spreading disinformation after a recent maritime incident in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Hontiveros said Beijing is “actively censoring the truth” instead of acknowledging the collision between its vessels after unlawfully chasing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.
“Instead of owning up to its actions, it is now covering up its maritime mishap in the West Philippine Sea by spreading disinformation. The collision between its ships was humiliating, prompting them to circulate all kinds of propaganda,” she said.
According to the senator, Chinese state media reportedly did not cover the collision, involving their own ships. Instead it accused the Philippines of deliberately provoking the incident and demanded that Manila “pay” for it.
Hontiveros argued that China, not the Philippines, should pay reparations for environmental damage caused in Philippine waters.
“I had previously filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 369, urging China to pay nearly ₱20 billion in damages, and I will refile this resolution in the current 20th Congress,” she revealed.
The senator added that China must be held accountable for attacks on Philippine sovereignty and the spread of false narratives.
“All like-minded countries should ensure that the Chinese government is held accountable for its coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed that the Philippines will seek restitution for damage to vessels and equipment, as well as the return of firearms and personal effects seized by Chinese forces.
On June 17 last year, Chinese Coast Guard forces obstructed a humanitarian rotation and resupply mission by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
The clash resulted in the severing of a Filipino soldier’s finger during the confrontation.
China rejected the AFP’s compensation demand before the signing of a temporary arrangement on Ayungin Shoal last year.
