Ortega Critiques Silent Candidates on China’s Intrusion in PH Affairs

Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega warned that senatorial candidates who do not actively oppose China’s encroachments may not be pro-Philippines. He emphasized the need for candidates to prioritize national interests and voiced concerns about potential Chinese financial influences in the upcoming elections. Ortega reiterated the Philippines’ sovereignty over Palawan and urged vigilance against disinformation regarding territorial claims.

In a recent press briefing, La Union 1st District Representative and Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega expressed concerns about senatorial candidates who remain silent regarding China’s intrusions into Philippine territory. He stated that candidates failing to advocate for Philippine interests are not truly pro-Philippines. Ortega emphasized the need for candidates to demonstrate commitment to the nation, warning that those who do not speak against potential Chinese funding exhibit disloyalty.

Ortega specifically referred to the risks associated with China-sponsored candidates potentially winning seats in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. He remarked on the alarming spread of disinformation claiming Chinese ownership of Palawan, which he described as one of the most significant fake narratives today. According to Ortega, silence from candidates on these matters clearly indicates their lack of support for Philippine sovereignty.

He highlighted that candidates from the opposing side are often those who criticize the administration yet fail to present substantial platforms. Ortega pointed out that candidates perceived as pro-China are typically ranked low in surveys, suggesting that their funding sources influence their agendas against national interests.

Moreover, Ortega urged Filipinos to be cautious of candidates potentially receiving Chinese financial support, warning that this could jeopardize the nation’s sovereignty. He stressed that candidates benefitting from such funding would likely prioritize their benefactors’ interests over those of the Filipino people.

He noted that China’s aggressive territorial claims, starting from the West Philippine Sea, are now extending to Palawan, fostering apprehension over the future. Ortega reiterated the need for vigilance to prevent the establishment of Chinese structures on Philippine territory, as evidenced by troubling digital propaganda advocating the claim to Palawan.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines reaffirmed that Palawan has never belonged to China, underlining the nation’s continuous sovereignty. In an additional call to action, former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares urged for increased maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea to counteract China’s assertions, describing these claims as delusional.

Ortega did not specifically name candidates but alluded to factions opposed to the current administration, particularly those linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose policies were criticized for leaning towards China. Critics argue that Duterte’s stance undermined the Philippines’ territorial integrity, with past comments dismissing the arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines as insignificant.

This ongoing discourse highlights the critical implications for Philippine sovereignty and the importance of informed electoral choices in upcoming elections.

In summary, Paolo Ortega’s statements reflect urgent concerns about candidates’ silence on China’s encroachments, which he interprets as a lack of patriotism. He calls for heightened vigilance and awareness among voters regarding potential Chinese funding influences in the upcoming elections. The dialogue stresses the importance of supporting candidates who prioritize Philippine sovereignty and national interests, particularly in light of China’s aggressive territorial assertions.

Original Source: www.inquirer.net