Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers emphasized on Sunday the importance of upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty, urging China to respect the country’s maritime rights as defined by international law.
Barbers, overall chairperson of the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee, issued a statement after China summoned the Philippine ambassador to explain two recently enacted laws, Republic Acts 12064 and 12065, aimed at reinforcing the Philippines’ governance over its maritime zones.
He noted the contrast between China’s calls for respect for its expansive claims in the regional waters, which the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) declared to have “no legal basis,” and its disregard for the Philippines’ legal maritime rights.
“China wanted the Philippines to respect its unfounded claims in the West Philippine Sea but they manifestly disrespect our position on this issue and the decision of the UNCLOS on the matter,” Barbers said.
The seasoned lawmaker also pointed to recent incidents involving China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, including the use of water cannons and alleged ramming of Philippine vessels, as examples of what he described as efforts to undermine Philippine sovereignty.
The 2016 Hague ruling, constituted under UNCLOS, affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone and rejected China’s claims based on historic rights.
Barbers reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to defending its maritime zones, adding that the new laws further strengthen the country’s position.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also affirmed the government’s stance, stating that the Philippines remains resolute in its efforts to uphold its sovereignty despite Beijing’s objections to the maritime legislation.
In response, Beijing has called on Manila to respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, urging the Philippines to avoid unilateral actions and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
