Investigate creeping Chinese takeover

This refers to the column “No to ‘smart cities’ on our islets” (8/8/19). It is indeed alarming that Chinese investors are allegedly targeting Fuga Island in Cagayan, and Grande and Chiquita Islands in Zambales, “to be developed into economic and tourism zones as part of China’s Belt and Road initiative”—a plan that, as the column noted, “has raised concerns among Philippine security officials.”

On the flip side, there are also alleged Chinese-manned fishing vessels conducting dredging or mining operations in our rivers, which result in erosion and environmental problems along coastal areas and communities. Reportedly, operators of many of these dredging activities have yet to secure dredging permits and show dredging plans to legitimize their operations.

Is this not to be viewed as a creeping invasion of our country by China? Why is the government seemingly dilly dallying over what to do?

I respectfully ask the Senate to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the slow “Sinofication” of our country, with the end view of strengthening government mechanisms to enforce Philippine maritime and mining laws, and safeguard our national interest and resources.

REGINALD B. TAMAYO

Marikina City