TINIYAK ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez na handa ang Pilipinas na ipagtanggol ang soberanya nito laban sa lumalalang agresibong aksyon ng China sa West Philippine Sea (WPS), subalit nananatili umano itong bukas sa mapayapang pag-uusap.

“The Philippines remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution, but we also stand ready to safeguard our sovereignty. We call for respect, and we are determined to meet any challenges that may arise,” ani Speaker Romualdez. “For the Philippines, for our future, and for our sovereignty, we will stand firm.”

Ang pahayag ng lider ng Kamara de Representantes ay direktang tugon sa pinakahuling pagbangga ng barko ng China Coast Guard sa BRP Teresa Magbanua, isa sa pinakamalaki at pinaka-advance na patrol vessel ng bansa.

Nangyari ang pagbangga sa Escoda (Sabina) Shoal— na malinaw na nasa loob ng 370 kilometrong exclusive economic zone, ang ikalimang insidente sa loob lamang ng isang buwan na patunay ng umiinit na tensyon dahil sa mga aksyong ginagawa ng China.

Kinondena ni Speaker Romualdez ang ginawa ng China na bahagi umano ng isang malawak na pattern ng agresyon.

“With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve, I strongly condemn the recent acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. The ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of our largest and most modern patrol vessels, is a troubling incident that raises serious questions about respect for international law and our nation’s dignity,” sabi pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

“To the government of the People’s Republic of China, I wish to convey our deep dismay at these developments. The Filipino people are committed to peace, yet we expect our sovereignty to be respected,” wika pa nito.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na bagamat ang nais ng Pilipinas ay magkaroon ng isang constructive dialogue, numinipis na umano ang pasensya ng bansa.

“We continue to hope for constructive dialogue, but it is clear that our patience is being tested. We have an obligation, under our Constitution and as a member of the international community, to defend our territory,” punto pa nito.

Sa gitna ng lumalalang sitwasyon, nanawagan si Speaker Romualdez ng mas malakas na mga hakbang upang maprotektahan ang teritoryo ng bansa, kabilang ang pagpapalakas ng presensya ng military at coast guard sa WPS at pagpapalakas ng alyansa nito sa ibang bansa.

“It is time for us to consider stronger measures. We should enhance our presence in the [WPS], reinforce our alliances, and ensure that our capabilities are sufficient to protect our sovereign rights,” saad pa nito.

Umapela rin si Speaker Romualdez sa international community na papanagutin ang China sa mga maling ginagawa nito.

“I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring this matter to the attention of the highest levels of international diplomacy. The global community, including the United Nations, should be made aware of these concerning actions,” sabi pa nito.

Nanawagan din Speaker Romualdez sa mga Pilipino na magkaisa sa pagsuporta sa mga hakbang na ginagawa ng gobyerno upang maprotektahan ang integridad ng teritoryo ng bansa.

“To my fellow Filipinos, I ask for your continued support and unity during these challenging times. Let us stand together in defense of our nation, sending a clear message that while we seek peace, we are prepared to protect what is rightfully ours,” giit ng lider ng Kamara.