STATEMENT OF SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS ON PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE'S RECOGNITION OF 2016 LEGAL VICTORY VS CHINA

I welcome President Duterte's public recognition of our 2016 legal victory against China over our disputed waters.

This declaration is a crucial, much-needed step toward truly asserting our rights over the West Philippine Sea. While I am glad that, in front of the international community, he invoked the arbitration award, I do expect that when he addresses us, his compatriots, he stays true to his resolve to reject any attempts to subvert this ruling.

The President's resolve must also mirror reality. This means resuming operations against the poaching in our Exclusive Economic Zone, escorting and protecting our fishing vessels, reinforcing our presence and facilities on the features we occupy, joining joint patrols with other nations in the West Philippine Sea, and safeguarding the lives and livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk communities in the country.

I am encouraged by his tone before the UN, and I do believe in the power of words. But, as always, I will remain watchful as to how these words translate into action.