By Rafaela Baluyut | April 20, 2024
Image: Hontiveros at the University of the Cordilleras in her speech at Layag ng Paglaya: Talakayan at Protesta Hinggil sa Sitwasyon ng West Philippine Sea. (Aleina Bañez)

Senator Risa Hontiveros has pushed for students to fight for the West Philippine Sea amid the ongoing territorial disputes.

In her speech during the Layag ng Paglaya: Talakayan at Protesta Hinggil sa Sitwasyon ng West Philippine Sea organized by Alternatibong Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral sa UP (AKMA UP) and held at the University of the Cordilleras on Friday, April 19, Hontiveros emphasized that the fight for the West Philippine Sea is an intergenerational battle.

“Our fight for the West Philippine Sea will not end anytime soon. It is an intergenerational battle. Hindi ito malulutas ng kasalukuyang mga henerasyon lamang. Every generation, your generation, will need to keep protecting our national interest,” Hontiveros said.

[It cannot be solved by the present generations alone.]

“Keep pushing back against bullies and keep speaking truth to power. Mga isko at mga iska, mga estudyante ng iba pang mga ginagalang na unibersidad dito sa lungsod ng Baguio, you must carry on this fight. Tumindig, tumayo, tuloy ang laban.” she added.

[Iskos and Iskas, students of other respected universities here in Baguio City, you must carry on this fight. Rise up, stand up, the fight continues.]

Hontiveros also talked about how the issue with the West Philippine Sea is not just an invasion of territory but also our digital spaces.

According to the senator, countless cyberattacks have been made against government websites. These attacks, she mentioned, are believed to be operating from China.

Aside from Hontiveros, Assistant Professor Karin Bangsoy in Political Science of University of the Philippines Baguio stressed the need for the country to show assertiveness through peaceful and diplomatic means.

“War serves no one except the few who would benefit from the conflict,” Bangsoy said.

In a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on March 24, Chinese vessels once again assaulted Philippine boats passing through the West Philippine Sea. Water cannons were used against a Philippine supply boat passing through Ayungin Shoal, damaging the boat and injuring the Navy personnel.

In another Inquirer report on April 14, the House of Representatives would consider calls for an investigation on former President Rodrigo Duterte on the “gentleman’s agreement” he had made with China during his presidency. According to former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the agreement was to maintain the status quo in the West Philippine Sea.

However, as reported by the Philippine News Agency earlier this April 12, Duterte denies the agreement he supposedly made with China.