Remove floating platform in Panatag Shoal, China told

MANILA, Philippines — The floating platform the Chinese government has placed within the waters of Panatag or Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea should be removed at all costs, members of the House of Representatives said over the weekend.

“Its presence constitutes yet another unauthorized intrusion into Philippine maritime zones and a direct affront to Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights,” opposition Rep. Leila de Lima – a former senator and justice secretary – reiterated.

“We call upon China to immediately remove the floating platform from Scarborough Shoal, cease all unauthorized activities within Philippine maritime zones, and comply with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the binding arbitral ruling,” she added.

The senior deputy minority leader, along with deputy speakers Jay Khonghun (Zambales 1st district) and Paolo Ortega V (La Union 1st district) and deputy majority leader Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur 1st district) insisted these structures have no place within the WPS, especially since Manila will be observing its 10th anniversary in July since winning the arbitral award.