‘Wag mataaas ang pride, Sotto tells Pinoys after China allows fishermen in Panatag out of goodwill

​Filipinos should not be too sensitive and proud after China ​reportedly ​agreed to allow ​local ​fishermen in ​the ​Panatag Shoal out of goodwill, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said.

“Out of whatever pa yun, pwedeng pride na lang yun masabi lang. Kaya huwag na nating masyadong damdamin yung mga ganung pananalita at baka lumaki pa yun at ipilit pa natin ang hindi maganda eh. ‘Wag tayong masyadong mataas ang pride,” he said.

Rather than rouse another possible cause of tension between the Philippine and Chinese governments over the said statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Sotto advised critics to instead keep an eye how Filipino fishermen will be treated in the coming days.

“Obserbahan natin kung ano yung gagawin ng China dito sa nangyaring ito at pagkatapos nyan eh di makikita natin. Mas magiging maganda ugnayan natin sa kanila,” he said.

Sotto have no reason to doubt the assurance made by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua that their government is already conducting an investigation and in taking appropriate action against any erring Chinese Coast Guard personnel.

Sotto said that in numerous instances where he, along with Senators Gregorio Honasan and Panfilo Lacson had meetings with representatives of the Chinese government, the strengthening of diplomatic ties with the Philippines has always been discussed with them.

“Ang sinasabi nila sa amin dapat nga daw maging malapit na magkaibigan tayo because we have more in common than any other country in the world. We have more in common with China, yun ang sinasabi nila,” he said.