Enrile advocates closer relationship with China

By Mario Casayuran

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile conceded yesterday that the Philippines has to deal with China, an economic and military power because it does not have any force to challenge it.

Former senator Juan Ponce Enrile (Credits: Wikimedia Commons | Manila Bulletin)

‘’This is why I’m advocating a closer relationship with China,” Enrile, who previously served as Minister of Defense under the Marcos Administration, pointed out.

Asked about the plight of fishermen allegedly being driven away by Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Pag-Asa Island near Palawan, Enrile urged the government to first look into the reports.

“Once these reports are officially verified, we must resolve the issue through diplomacy,” the former Senator shared.

Enrile also expressed concern that left unresolved, the possible intervention of Chinese vessels in the fishing grounds will deplete the supply in the areas.

The 95-year-old lawmaker is seeking his fifth term in the 24-member Senate under the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) party. His three-day sortie in Bicol ended on a high note.

He had met with the political leaders of the vote-rich provinces of the region starting in Sorsogon on Saturday, Camarines Sur on Monday and Albay on Tuesday.

Senator Francis ‘’Chiz’’ Escudero is seeking the Sorsogon governorship in the coming May 2019 mid-term elections as he ends his two consecutive six-year terms.

While meeting local government officials and ordinary citizens in the Bicol provinces, Enrile addressed the concerns of the local fishing industry, particularly underscoring the need to curb illegal fishing.

“We need to protect the Bicol waters, particularly the Burias-Ticao Pass which is considered one of the most productive fishing grounds in the country,” the veteran lawmaker urged, adding:

“The government should come in to improve sustainable fishing in the region. If we care for the richness of biodiversity in the region, we are helping fishermen who are harvesting legally and responsibly and we are also providing more attractions in the tourism industry.

“We need to educate the leaders in Bicol’s fishing industry to practice sustainable fishing so that we can protect our available supply in the long-term. We also need to enforce stricter patrolling and monitoring of illegal and unregulated fishing in the area.’’