Sen. Erwin Tulfo Speaks on Ongoing Negotiations between PH, China
ERWIN TULFO
– The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman called for “ceasefire” on the word war between the Philippines and China.
Both China and the Philippines are firm on their claims over the West Philippine Sea. In 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal ruled in favor of the claim of the Philippines but the Chinese government remained to assert its claim on the disputed territory.
Photo from Philippine Star
Recently, there were calls to declare Chinese envoy Jing Quan as persona-non-grata. The Ambassador of China claimed that he will leave the country right away if it happens. The call came amid the heated exchange of remarks between the Chinese and Filipino authorities over the territorial dispute.
On the caricature of Chinese leader Xi Jin Ping being reportedly used by the PH authorities in a program, Sen. Robin Padilla claimed that respect must be mutual. According to the minority Senator, even if he is part of the opposition, he will also get mad if the same thing will be done to President Bongbong Marcos.
📸: ABS-CBN
Sen.
Robin Padilla also asked why the Philippine Coast Guards did not purchase stronger water cannons and fired back at China
. His question earned him massive criticisms. The PCG responded to the question of the Senator.
Photo Courtesy of Inquirer
PCG chief Jay Tarriela explained that they recognize the use of the water cannons which is to help save lives and not inflict harm to other people. He also stressed that the equipment are not for the damaging of other vessels.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Recently, just a few days after his fiery speech wherein he told the Chinese diplomats to “leave the country” if they cannot respect its rules, he called for a ceasefire on the “word war” for the ongoing negotiations.
“We can just [declare a] ceasefire muna habang ongoing ang negotiations at dialogue diyan po sa COC, lalo na po’t tinatapos pa ang Code of Conduct,”
Tulfo said.
According to Sen. Erwin Tulfo, his office is open for a discussion with the Embassy of China. Based on the
report
, Chinese ambassador to PH Jing Quan is also open for a dialogue.
Recently, Sen.
Erwin Tulfo also claimed that he will ask senators Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan “tone down personal attacks” versus the Chinese
officials.