Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday condemned China’s recent activities at Sandy Cay, affirming that no fabricated display can undermine the Philippines’ legitimate sovereignty over its territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“I strongly denounce the latest actions of the China Coast Guard in and around Sandy Cay, an area well within the Philippines’ EEZ and unquestionably part of Philippine sovereignty,” Romualdez said.
“The Filipino people will not be bullied in our own backyard. Team Pilipinas tayo (We are Team Philippines)!” he added.
The House leader pointed to China’s deployment of personnel and the unfurling of a Chinese flag on Sandy Cay, describing it as nothing more than a misleading show. He asserted that Sandy Cay belongs to the Filipino people, not to those who violate international law to stage desperate displays of dominance.
“The deployment of Chinese personnel to Sandy Cay, their unfurling of a Chinese flag, and their so-called ‘inspection’ activities are nothing more than desperate and cheap stunts, an orchestrated spectacle meant to mislead and bolster their illegitimate claims,” Romualdez stated.
He reminded the public that Sandy Cay lies just four nautical miles from Pag-asa Island and has always been under Philippine jurisdiction.
“Let me be clear: Sandy Cay, located just 4 nautical miles from our own Pag-asa Island, is Philippine territory. We have continuously and effectively exercised jurisdiction over it. The 2016 Arbitral Award has already invalidated China’s sweeping and baseless claims across the South China Sea, including Sandy Cay,” Romualdez noted.
In light of these developments, Romualdez noted the swift action of Philippine authorities in affirming the country’s presence in the area.
“In response to these provocative actions, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) conducted a coordinated Inter-Agency Maritime Operation (IAMO) on April 27, 2025, covering Pag-asa Cay 1, Cay 2, and Cay 3, along with their surrounding waters,” Romualdez stressed.
He emphasized that the IAMO operation was conducted lawfully by Philippine forces.
“This operation – carried out by the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group – demonstrates the Philippines’ lawful, routine, and rightful exercise of sovereignty over our waters and features,” Romualdez said.
He echoed the stance of the NTF-WPS that such operations are part of the country’s peaceful assertion of its maritime rights. He issued a sharp message to Beijing, demanding a halt to its aggressive maneuvers.
“I call on China: Cease these reckless provocations. Respect international law. Stop these cheap stunts,” Romualdez expressed.