Gazmin defends PNoy over non-mention of sea row in SONA

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino minced no words when he scored corrupt officials during his almost two-hour state of the nation address (SONA) last Monday.

Curiously, the address – the longest since Aquino assumed the presidency in 2010 –  made no mention of the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea.

Officials, however, said the non-inclusion of the dispute in the SONA was  made in deference to the international court hearing the Philippines’ arbitration case against China.

“The process is already moving. The membership (of the arbitration panel) has been organized. It is not necessary (to mention the issue),” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

Statements about the dispute may even affect the legal process, he added.

China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea while the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the area.

Last January, the Philippines filed a complaint against China’s nine-dash line territorial claim before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.

The Philippines said the nine-dash line, which included areas within its exclusive economic zone, is excessive and exaggerated.

The closest thing to China that Aquino mentioned in his SONA was the praise given by Chinese media to the Philippines as a tourist spot.

He noted that the Oriental Morning Post named the Philippines as the “Best Tourism Destination of 2012.” The Shanghai Morning Post, meanwhile, labeled the country as the “Most Romantic Destination of 2012.”

Aquino’s silence on the West Philippine Sea issue was in stark contrast with his tone last year, when he stressed that the Philippines’ rights as a nation should be respected.

“I do not think it excessive to ask that our rights be respected, just as we respect their rights as a fellow nation in a world we need to share,” the president said in his SONA last year. .

“If someone entered your yard and told you he owned it, would you agree? Would it be right to give away that which is rightfully ours? And so I ask for solidarity from our people regarding this issue. Let us speak with one voice. Help me relay to the other side the logic of our stand.”

Aquino assured the public last year that the government is consulting experts, allies and even “those on the other side” to find a resolution that is acceptable to all.

At present, Chinese ships continue to conduct illegal patrols around Ayungin Shoal, which is located 105.77 nautical miles from Palawan, and Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which is 124 nautical miles from the nearest point in Zambales.