Manila — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. publicly refuted China's claim that the Philippines is merely acting as a puppet of the United States concerning its rights in the West Philippine Sea. The assertion came during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Wednesday afternoon.
According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, Teodoro described China's narrative as "insulting" and "disgusting," stating that such allegations diminish the Philippines' sovereignty and underestimate its ability to think independently and stand up for its rights. Teodoro urged the country to take a strong stance against China's insult.
Teodoro also clarified that the Philippines is not seeking conflict or war with China but is focused on protecting its maritime territories from ongoing Chinese encroachment, which he noted is contrary to international law. The Defense Secretary said that the government is taking China's misinformation about the legality of Philippine presence in the West Philippine Sea seriously.
In a related matter, the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed its plans to refer to the West Philippine Sea as the 'Sea of Asia' in an upcoming international case aimed at involving the global community. DOJ Undersecretary Mico Clavano clarified in a statement that the renaming strategy does not signify a weakening of the country's territorial claims but is intended to underscore that the sea is a shared heritage and resource for Asia and the world.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the case, which will be lodged before an international tribunal, focuses on the environmental impact of China's activities in the contested area. The legal action is slated for filing by March of next year at the latest and will include evidence such as satellite images, cinematography, and location-based photography.