‘WPS is ours’: Fisherfolk raise concerns over Sara Duterte’s alleged China ties

Metro Manila, Philippines — Fisherfolk whose livelihoods depend on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) expressed concern over allegations that Vice President Sara Duterte and her spouse have financial ties to China.

At a press conference organized by civil coalition Atin Ito in Subic on Sunday, Oct. 11, fisherfolk from Zambales and Bataan said Duterte’s impeachment trial is not merely about allegations of unexplained and ill-gotten wealth but also about their livelihoods, national security, and the country’s sovereignty.

They said Filipinos deserve transparency, particularly as fishers in the WPS continue to face Chinese aggression, including intimidation, dangerous encounters, and restrictions on their traditional fishing grounds.

“We face the risks at sea, and we deserve leaders who will stand up for us, not multimillionaire traitors,” said Leonardo Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association.

Cuaresma urged the vice president and her husband, Manases Carpio, to explain the nature, source, and purpose of the reported multimillion-peso transactions linked to China and address potential conflicts of interest, given Duterte’s position as the country’s second-highest official.

On Feb. 18, Duterte, who is facing trial before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, declared her intention to run for president in the 2028 elections.

Cuaresma also challenged Duterte to directly condemn China’s harassment in the WPS and affirm that the protection of Filipinos and national sovereignty must never be sacrificed for private interests.

“Ang West Philippine Sea ay atin. Hindi dapat ang milyones ng Tsina ang manaig sa karapatan ng mga mangingisdang Pilipino na mangisda nang malaya at ligtas sa sarili nilang karagatan,” Cuaresma stressed.

[Translation: The West Philippine Sea is ours. The millions from China should not outweigh the rights of Filipino fisherfolk to fish freely and safely in our own waters.]

Meanwhile, the prosecution panel concluded its presentation of evidence and witnesses for Article II of the articles of impeachment on Friday, Oct. 9. The article covers allegations of unexplained wealth, false statements in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), and failure to divest business interests.