Philippine Lawmakers Investigate China’s Alleged Promise to Remove BRP Sierra Madre
Lawmakers in the Philippines are calling for an investigation into China’s alleged promise to remove BRP Sierra Madre, a decommissioned Philippine Navy ship, from Ayungin Shoal. The Makabayan bloc, a group of progressive lawmakers, filed House Resolution 1215 to probe the veracity of China’s claim. China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the Philippines promised multiple times to remove the ship, but no evidence has been presented to support this assertion.
The lawmakers argue that if there is any truth to China’s claim, it is crucial to identify those responsible for compromising the country’s sovereign and territorial integrity. They also question former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea’s denial of an agreement between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China regarding the removal of BRP Sierra Madre. Congress aims to thoroughly investigate this matter to ascertain the truth behind China’s allegations.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and the camp of former President Joseph Estrada have all denied any commitment to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. It’s worth noting that during former President Benigno Aquino III’s administration, the Philippines filed and won an arbitration case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in regards to Ayungin Shoal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated that there is no record of any commitment to move the ship, and there is no agreement with China regarding its removal. The DFA assured Congress that diplomatic protests have been continuously filed against China’s territorial intrusion. The agency emphasized that the position of BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal falls under the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. It further expressed its commitment to protecting the sovereign rights of the West Philippine Sea.
The investigation launched by the Filipino lawmakers seeks to shed light on China’s claim and determine the extent of any agreements made regarding BRP Sierra Madre. With the Philippines asserting its territorial rights and diplomatic protests being filed against China, the fate of the decommissioned ship remains uncertain. As the investigation progresses, further details will emerge regarding the veracity of China’s alleged promise and the potential consequences for those involved.
In conclusion, Philippine lawmakers are launching an investigation into China’s alleged promise to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. With no evidence presented yet, the investigation aims to clarify the truth behind China’s claims. The Philippines reiterates its commitment to protecting sovereign rights and utilizes diplomatic means to address territorial intrusions. The fate of the ship remains uncertain pending the investigation’s outcomes.
