Akbayan backs PCS spokesman, slams Chinese embassy

Title Akbayan Backs PCS Spokesman, Slams Chinese Embassy in West Philippine Sea Row

The progressive political party Akbayan has thrown its full weight behind Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) West Philippine Sea spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela, condemning accusations by the Chinese Embassy that Tarriela had been slandering and smearing China and its leaders.

In a statement, Akbayan characterized the embassy's remarks as unsurprising, citing Beijing's aversion to transparency in maritime disputes. The party pointed out that if anyone is guilty of slander and smear, it is the Chinese Embassy itself, perpetuating falsehoods through its fictitious nine-dash line claim over the West Philippine Sea and defending its violent acts against Filipino fishers and frontliners.

The nine-dash line refers to China's expansive claim over most of the South China Sea, which overlaps with the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring China's sweeping maritime claims without legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Akbayan President Rafaela David emphasized that China's statements amount to interference in Philippine internal affairs. She cited the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which obliges foreign missions to respect the sovereignty of host states.

David also warned against Beijing's attempts to project toughness under a new Chinese ambassador in Manila. But spare the West Philippine Sea from their drama, she said. We will not let facts and international law be twisted or obscured for their show.

The party urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue a firm response to the Chinese Embassy, stressing that foreign interference on Philippine soil is unacceptable. Akbayan also called on the public to continue expressing support for the PCG and other Filipino frontliners tasked with safeguarding maritime security and fishermen in contested waters.

Conclusion

As tensions escalate over competing claims in the West Philippine Sea, it remains crucial for the Philippines to uphold international law, protect its sovereignty, and assert its interests without sacrificing transparency or normalizing prejudicial imagery. Akbayan's stance supports these efforts by condemning Chinese Embassy attacks on PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela and reaffirming commitment to a rules-based maritime order.

Key Takeaways

1. Akbayan backs PCS Spokesman, slams Chinese embassy for its remarks against the Philippines.
2. The party emphasizes China's lack of transparency in maritime disputes, perpetuating lies through their fictitious nine-dash line claim.
3. Akbayan urges DFA to issue a firm response to the Chinese Embassy and calls on the public to support PCG frontliners.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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