Ortega: Silent Senate Candidates Reflect Anti-Philippine Sentiment

Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega asserts that senatorial candidates who do not oppose China’s incursions into Philippine territory may not represent national interests. He warns that China-backed politicians could pose threats to the Philippines’ sovereignty, especially regarding Palawan. Ortega calls on voters to remain vigilant and consider candidates’ affiliations and motivations ahead of the 2025 elections.

Senatorial candidates who remain silent on China’s incursions into Philippine affairs are seen as lacking support for the nation, according to Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega V. During a recent press briefing, he expressed concern particularly regarding Palawan, suggesting that if China-backed candidates succeed in the upcoming midterm elections, the province could face significant risks.

Ortega emphasized that candidates must prioritize the Philippines’ interests, stating, “We cannot have senatorial candidates who are not pro-Philippines.” He criticized individuals who do not vocally oppose China’s claims, asserting that such silence indicates they may not have the country’s best interests at heart. Ortega also warned that these candidates might be aligned with “trolls” and are not presenting viable platforms for public discourse.

Further defending his stance, Ortega highlighted that some candidates, particularly those funded by China, pose a threat to the nation’s sovereignty. He remarked, “China started with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and now they are claiming the entire Palawan.” He urged voters to consider who these candidates would ultimately serve – the Philippines or their financial backers.

The issue has become increasingly critical as reports emerge of altered images and propaganda suggesting that China’s territorial claims now include Palawan. Ortega correctly noted, “The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has clarified that Palawan never belonged to China,” reinforcing the need for vigilance against such claims.

Ortega refrained from naming specific candidates but pointed to political factions, including former President Rodrigo Duterte’s PDP-Laban, that allegedly support Chinese interests. The former administration raised diplomatic ties with China, albeit at the expense of the Philippines’ territorial integrity, leading to controversial remarks from Duterte about the nation’s sovereignty.

In light of these developments, experts like former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares have called for increased maritime patrols in the WPS to counter China’s assertions regarding Palawan. Overall, the unfolding narrative underscores the need for informed decision-making among voters regarding candidates’ stances on national sovereignty and foreign influence.

In summary, Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega underscores the importance of choosing senatorial candidates who prioritize Philippine sovereignty, especially in light of China’s territorial claims. He stresses that candidates who do not openly oppose these incursions may favor foreign interests over the Philippines. The upcoming elections thus serve as a critical juncture for safeguarding national integrity against foreign influence, particularly from China.

Original Source: www.inquirer.net