An all-Senator caucus is scheduled today to establish ground rules for a possible dialogue with the Embassy of China in Manila regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said over the weekend.
On Saturday, Lacson said he has extended an invitation to members of the minority bloc to join the dialogue and attend the caucus if they choose to participate.
The Manila Standard however, has not received word from members of the minority bloc regarding their attendance in the caucus. The Senate minority did not sign the resolution condemning the Chinese embassy for their criticisms of lawmakers and government officials defending the Philippine position on the WPS issue.
Lacson said the meeting aims to define clear parameters for communication among senators to prevent misunderstandings and personal conflicts.
Lacson earlier expressed interest in initiating sit-down discussions between senators and the Chinese embassy officials after Chinese ambassador to Jing Quan signaled readiness to engage Philippine leaders in dialogue to ease the acerbic debate over the maritime dispute.
The lawmaker added that he is amenable to returning to Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group, which he previously visited in 2021.
“If there’s another opportunity to go there I want to. We have established occupation. People vote there, and there are students there. I think it is incumbent upon us, especially the Armed Forces, to protect and defend Pag-asa from either intrusion or, in a worse scenario, invasion,” he said.
Pag-asa is the only community with residents in the area, with an estimated population of 400 to 500 Filipinos currently residing.
Lacson also dismissed speculation about his political future, declaring that he has no plans to seek any elective position after his Senate term ends in 2031.
Lacson, who has spent more than five decades in government, made the statement when asked about potential alliances and offers related to the 2028 elections.
“I’m nearing the twilight of my career. I am still eligible for reelection in 2031, but I am not intending to. I intend to finish my public service career in 2031,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Senate to set ground rules for dialogue with China”
