Former Senator Kiko Pangilinan strongly condemned China’s gaslighting on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, asserting that Beijing is the one blatantly violating the Philippines’ sovereignty and maritime rights.
Pangilinan’s statement came after China defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian accused the Philippines of provoking trouble in the area.
Pangilinan also reiterated his call for the government to file diplomatic protests against China for its persistent intrusions into Philippine territory and harassment of Filipino fishermen and government vessels.
Gaslighting is a term for an act of manipulating someone into questioning their reality, perception or sanity.
“Aba China, tigilan niyo nga ang pangga-gaslight sa Pilipinas kaugnay ng isyung ito,” Pangilinan said, adding that China is known for harassing government ships and fishermen in our territorial waters.
“Anong kahibangan ito? Kung sino pa ang nang-water cannon, nang-harass at nambunggo sa mga barko ng ating Coast Guard at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, sila pa ang may ganang magsabi na tayo ang nagsimula ng gulo,” he added.
Pangilinan was referring to the latest incident where the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) used water cannons and deliberately hit patrol vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) at Bajo de Masinloc.
In a separate incident, Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cabra also experienced “dangerous maneuvers” from the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
The former senator also reiterated his call for the government to file diplomatic protests against China for its persistent intrusions into Philippine territory and harassment of Filipino fishermen and government vessels.
“Huwag nating tigilan ang pagsasampa ng diplomatic protest laban sa China upang maipaalam sa buong mundo ang ginagawa nilang panggigipit at pang-aagaw sa ating teritoryo,” he said.
