The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague has ruled China was never in “possession” of the South China Sea (SCS), of which the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is a part. But China still insists its historic rights and possession over the SCS and the WPS are based on its own ancient “documentary evidence.” It is a totally bogus claim which China knew has no leg to stand on, which is why it never participated in the PCA proceedings. It opted to bribe the “complainant,” i.e., the Philippine government now headed by President Duterte.
On several occasions, including this year’s State of the Nation Address, Mr. Duterte kept saying China “is in possession” of the WPS, which raised eyebrows every time for being apparently contrary to the PCA judgment. Yet, it is absolutely true! Indeed, while China might not have been in possession during the ancient times it was harping back on, IT IS NOW IN ACTUAL OCCUPATION AND POSSESSION of the disputed territories. It has already developed military fortresses on them, standing ready and able to repel “intruders” with armed forces—all thanks to Mr. Duterte who just looked the other way as the “rape” was going on. Any attempt on the part of the Philippines to complain about China’s “rape” of the WPS in the future would now ring hollow as a broken bell. Who would ever believe the Philippines was aggrieved after the Duterte regime had welcomed the invader with open arms?
His slavish attitude toward China has rendered irrelevant the most solid arguments former Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio could ever make (“China is NOT in possession of WPS,” 8/6/20).
Let’s face it: We have already lost everything in the WPS! Is there ever a way the Filipino people can be compensated later for just part of such irreparable loss from Mr. Duterte, along with all his co-conspirators in government who shamelessly aided and abetted him in betraying the public trust?
Danica Monica Rigor,
danicarmor8008@gmail.com