Robin Padilla to Philippine Coast Guard: “Ba’t hindi kayo bumili ng mas malakas na water cannon at gumanti kayo?”

Sen. Robin Padilla Dares PH Coast Guard to Hit Back on Chinese Attacks?

ROBIN PADILLA – The Senator asked why the Philippine Coast Guard is supposedly not investing in stronger equipment despite its huge budget.

The territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea is seemingly far from over. There were incidents wherein China reportedly fired the PH vessels with water cannon in the disputed territory.

The issue over the ownership of the West Philippine Sea has long gathered different reactions from the people. In 2016, an Arbitral Ruling sided the Philippines over the issue but the decision remains not honored by the Chinese government.

Previously, it was reported that the Philippine Coast Guard is set to buy five (5) coast guard ships from Japan amid the tension in the West Philippine Sea. Recently, minority Sen. Robin Padilla spoke on during a plenary session over the alleged “brazen and abrasive disrespect” of the Chinese Embassy against the Filipino officials as per Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela.

The statement of Tarriela came after Philippine Ambassador Flor Cruz was summoned by the Chinese officials. Cruz reaffirmed the position of the Philippines on the territorial dispute. The issue was reportedly triggered by the caricatures of Chinese President Xi Jin Ping in a program.

As for Sen. Robin Padilla, respect begets respect. He called on PH Coast Guard Commodore Jay Terriela not to repeat the act. According to him, if he is in the position of China and even if he is part of the opposition, he would be mad if it will be done to Pres. Bongbong Marcos.

According to News5, Sen. Robin Padilla also reacted to the supposed tension between the Philippine and Chinese officials in the West Philippine Sea which reportedly involves the firing of water cannons in some incidents. Based on the post, he raised a question why the Philippine Coast Guard did not secure stronger equipment to fight back.

“Ba’t hindi kayo bumili ng mas malakas na water cannon at gumanti kayo?” Padilla said.

Recently 15 senators signed the Senate Resolution No. 256 which condemns the insulting statements of the Chinese Embassy against the Philippine officials who defend the country’s position in the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea. Six (6) senators including Sen. Robin Padilla did not sign the reso.

Recently, former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s former spokesman Harry Roque reacted to the call to drive away Chinese people who don’t respect the rules and democracy in the Philippines.