Manila, Philippines – Senator Risa Hontiveros seeks a Senate scrutiny on the provisional understanding between the Philippines and China, particularly regarding the protection of military troops and the de-escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 589 directs the Senate committee to investigate the agreement concerning the rotational resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
According to the Senator, the investigation aims to determine the effectiveness of the agreement in preventing misunderstandings and tensions within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that the provisional understanding serves as a communication channel between Manila and Beijing regarding RORE missions, intended to prevent miscalculations and incidents at sea.
However, the DFA clarified that the Philippines is not required to seek China’s permission to conduct RORE missions to the BRP Sierra Madre.
Two weeks ago, a resolution was filed in the Senate seeking an investigation into the July 20 Ayungin Shoal incident, during which two Philippine Navy personnel sustained injuries.
They were struck by wooden batons wielded by China Coast Guard personnel.
Relevant agencies support the Senate proposal, and the DFA has expressed readiness to participate should the Senate summon them.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintained its stance that it would not abandon the post.
The AFP further noted that China has not responded to the Philippines’ demand for compensation for the Navy personnel who lost a finger during the 2024 incident.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News