ON SONA 2024: Stranger in our Own Waters

The disputed territory between China and the Philippines has been the headlines for the past years. It is the same headline over and over again - a constant - that China continues to shamelessly oppress and bully Filipinos in our own waters.

For the past decades, China has intelligently infiltrated the Philippines. The trespassing in the Philippine waters is slow, yet consistent. Even before the start of the 21st century, China disregarded the Philippines’ protests after the former built initial structures in our waters in 1994. Several months later, a Chinese flag waved on the reef surrounded by their vessels. Addition of minimal structures continued until a large-scale land reclamation was done in the Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef) in 2014. The seemingly small actions of China ultimately created large effects on our waters, in short, China boiled the frog! The complacency of the Philippines, especially the submissiveness of the former president paved the way for China’s aggression, exploited the freedom of this area.

Ten years later after China turned water beds into land, the Philippines has still not passed the stage of fighting and asserting WPS ownership. As reflected in the recently concluded State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the country yet again asserted its position in the contested area. Contrary to the deafening silence and constant aversion of the former administration in talks of the disputed sea, Marcos Jr. veered from it and declared: “Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip lamang. Ito ay atin.” 

Marcos Jr. further stressed that diplomatic channels, community and peace building remain the only acceptable method to resolve the dispute. But, Filipinos know about this already. We are not desiring for a barbaric plan, but a thorough mechanism and mediation supported by international order. Marcos Jr. could have mentioned the Philippines’ historic win in the Permanent Court of Arbitration that nullified the nine-dash line claims over WPS in 2016. He could have ordered directives to the Department of Foreign Affairs to mitigate China’s growing disrespect in the Philippine sovereignty and international laws. The president should have also taken advantage of the platform to present plans on how the country will handle Chinese insubordination over the Hague ruling which, in itself, is the pacific way to resolve the issue and could open doors for diplomatic talks.

In a recent collision of forces, the Filipino navy became the victims of Chinese bullying during a resupply mission in the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard rammed and boarded Philippine vessels, causing injuries to the Philippine naval force, with one losing his thumb in the mishap. This is not new to the Philippine forces as water cannons have been fired at Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal after Balikatan exercises.

As a response to the intensifying confrontation, Marcos Jr. took a swipe at the SONA and said: “We are continuing to strengthen our defense posture, both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states.” However, this is ironic to his aim of de-escalating conflicts in the contested area. The added militarization and forefront Balikatan add fuel to the fire. Despite the aim of Balikatan efforts to ignite collaboration among nations and highlight multilateral efforts in the maritime domain, it promulgates intimidation and provocation towards China. This effort aims to strengthen military and naval forces, but at the same time, it is a double-edged sword that builds too much reliance on the U.S. and it can be seen as though the Philippines is preparing for a war. However, this does not mean complete cessation of Balikatan exercises. China’s aggression due to this effort highlights that the Philippines should build a self-reliant naval force to mitigate the already heated encounters.

Moreover, the Philippines’ claim - in fact ownership - on the West Philippine Sea is more than just formality or for the sake of demarcation. WPS serves as a potential economic and political driver for us. The WPS is a sea lane for international trades, crucial in hoisting the country’s economy. Furthermore, this territory also serves as oil and gas deposits which amounts to $26 trillion. If other countries, let alone an already superpower country, exploit and abuse these resources, it accentuates unfairness to Filipinos who are supposed to benefit from these resources within our borders.

While it is empowering to hear the chief executive assert the Philippine’s stance, the escalated aggression and backdrop in the territory highlights the fact that the ownership of WPS should no longer be questioned nor contested anymore. What should have been offered to the table is an extensive mediation and diplomatic blueprint on how to regain the rightful territory of the Philippines, whether that be by annual maritime talks and agreement or filing of charges before the United Nations.

Promises are null without action. Only this will take form and significance when the president fulfills his promise to a self-reliant militia, enhanced aerial and maritime domain, and educated youth on the importance of the country’s sovereignty. As mentioned in the SONA, the pending Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act should take a fast pace in passing to ensure that the country’s waters and territories are protected and defined as prescribed by the United Convention on the Law of the Sea. These legislations will also guarantee intergenerational mandate of safety of Filipino seafarers, fisherfolks, and authorities.

The sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea will definitely not be a present from a superpower nation. It will not be given as though it is a box with ribbon, as though it is a boxed chocolate. It can only be attained through continuous bilateral and multilateral agreements, strengthening maritime force and self-independence, and resolving diplomatic and maritime disputes in the pacific way. Ultimately, our fate is in our hands. The moment we waver is also the moment they take advantage. We are not strangers sailing in our waters, we are the sea’s rightful voyagers. The West Philippine Sea is called such for a reason: the Philippines owns it, no more, no less.