Press Release
April 24, 2016

POE: WEST PHL SEA NOT CHINA'S PERSONAL AQUARIUM

The West Philippine Sea is not a personal aquarium of the Chinese--it belongs to Filipino fishermen, Sen. Grace Poe stressed as she bared plans to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard to protect Philippine waters.

"Mga 15 kilometers from the shore line hindi po pwede kayong agawan ng isda doon sa mga lugar na iyon. Kaya dapat kausapin ang mga local government na tulungan talaga kayo," Poe said in response to the question of a local fisherman on how the five presidential candidates can help small fisherfolk against Chinese commercial fishing vessels in Philippine territory.

"Hindi po personal aquarium ng mga Tsino ang West Philippine Sea. Alam nyo, 'yung sitwasyon dito sa Tsina parang sa paaralan kung saan binu-bully 'yung mga Grade One--tayo yun," she said.

The lone independent presidential candidate said the government must take immediate measures to make sure Filipino fishermen are protected from bullying.

"Unang-una, dapat dagdagan natin ang ating mga Coast Guard na mga barko. Pwede nating i-order yan kahit sa Cebu. Pangalawa, bigyan natin ng radyo ang ating mga mangingisda. Para may tutulong sa kanila," Poe said.

The senator also reiterated her appeal to other claimants and allies in the region to take a stand against China and engage the Chinese government towards a binding code of conduct regarding the West Philippine Sea. This includes honoring the ongoing arbitration case with the United Nations.

"Pwede nating hingin ang kanilang tulong basta wala tayong isinu-surrender sa kanila na ating sovereignty o kalayaan dahil hindi naman natin pwedeng isugal din ang buhay ng ating mga Navy. Pero kasama din doon, kailangan tayong manindigan dito sa ating teritoryo," Poe said.

She said the government must also aid fishermen with other basic needs such as fishing equipment and scholarship for their children.

Under her "Gobyernong may Puso" Poe will make quality education free for children of poor farmers and fishermen. She will also ensure that there will be grants for all indigent students who may want to study in a private college or university.

Poe was present in all three PiliPinas Presidential Debates sponsored by the Commission on Elections. She said she was glad that the final debate was held at the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City.

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