Amid the PH-China Issue, DILG Chief Jonvic Remulla Plans To Visit Kalayaan Island Group
DILG CHIEF – Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed his plan to visit the Kalayaan Island Group and his hope that China will ban him like what it did to the local government officials in the island.
The senators had different reactions towards the municipal officials of Kalayaan, Palawan being declared persona non grata by China. With the said declaration, they are not only allowed to enter China but as well as Hong Kong and Macau. The recent happenings came amid the ongoing territorial dispute between China and PH over the West Philippine Sea.
According to Chinese Embassy in the Philippines spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, the decision of China to declare the LGU officials of Kalayaan, Palawan as persona non grata is “based on the principle of reciprocity”. The move came after Chinese ambassador Jing Quan was also declared the same in Kalayaan after na exchange of statements between Filipino and Chinese officials.
Amid the issues, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan previously claimed that if China wants to fight PH, it could have done it earlier. The senators also had a debate over the action of Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela.
Tarriela used a caricature of Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a lecture at a university and some senators do not agree with it. According to Sen. Robin Padilla, respect should come from both sides. He also claimed that he will be mad if the same thing will be done to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Previously, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta earned massive criticisms after his statement about “giving up” the Kalayaan Island Group was allegedly taken out of context. It earned him tags that he is alleged pro-China. Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson even wants the remarks of Marcoleta removed from the Senate records.
“Nanggaling sa senador mismo at nandun sa record, medyo ma-weaken ang position natin dahil nasa record,” Lacson said.
Recently, DILG chief Jonvic Remulla revealed his plan to visit the Kalayaan Group of Islands. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, he stressed his personal commitment to assert the sovereignty of the Philippines. According to him, he will go there by himself and then China should ban him.
“I will go there to bolster our sovereignty. I hope that they ban me because of my service to the country. I am Filipino. I will never submit myself to countries who want to subjugate us,” the DILG Chief claimed.
DILG Chief Jonvic Remulla also asserted that the KIG is part of the territorial waters of the Philippines. Based on the report, the Interior Secretary intends to visit and talk to the municipal officials of Kalayaan, Palawan “to reinvigorate our sovereign claim”.
“We have been inhabiting it for over a century. In fact, it has its own local government unit. I will pay them a visit soon to reinvigorate our sovereign claim,” the DILG Chief added.
