Metro Manila, Philippines—Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Rene Almendras welcomed the policy of the Marcos administration on the South China Sea conflict.
Almendras was Foreign Affairs chief during the presidency of Noynoy Aquino. The Aquino administration filed the arbitration case against China.
“Back in 2012, we felt so alone, and then now we saw all the people on stage, hindi pa tapos ang kwento pero [the story continues but] I think we have come a long way, and I really think we should just continue to do so,” said Almendras.
He commended the Marcos administration’s method in addressing disputes.
“I think it is a very good strategy. I believe in the foreign policy of President Marcos. This is the right way to address it. It’s not us trying to bully anyone, it’s about us standing up for our rights,” he said.
Fisherman: Chinese Coast Guard blocks Scarborough Shoal
Leonardo Cuaresma, a fisherman from Masinloc, Zambales said Chinese vessels continue to prevent fishermen from entering Scarborough Shoal despite the change in administration.
“They still use water cannons and get our good catch. They have become more aggressive,” said Cuaresma in an interview.
He said fishermen could no longer go near the entrance of the shoal.
“Chinese vessels are blocking the entrance of the shoal,” he said
