Panatag Shoal

Maritime expert Jay Batongbacal on Monday slammed Malacañang's comment that China's alleged harassment of a Filipino-manned Greek oil tanker near Scarborough Shoal "does not concern the Philippines."

"Silence on China's assertion of 'jurisdiction' against a Greek vessel, a third party, is effectively a sign of acquiescence to such jurisdiction before such third party; and in this case, due to publicity, effectively before the whole world," Batongbacal said in a Twitter post.

Silence on CN assertion of “jurisdiction” against a Greek vessel, a third party, is effectively a sign of acquiescence to such jurisdiction before such third party; and in this case, due to publicity, effectively before the whole world. /2 — Jay L Batongbacal (@JayBatongbacal) November 4, 2019

"This is like saying Philippines is not concerned that China exercises jurisdiction over Scarborough against any other State. It's like a person not caring that his house is being managed by someone else who claims to be the owner, and makes other people recognize he is the real owner," he added.

Batongbacal pointed out that even if it was a Greek vessel, the Philippines should be concerned because foreign-flagged ships are crucial in the country's international trade.

"Only 101 ships are registered with the PH flag today; our international trade is carried by foreign ships like this one flagged with Greece," he said.

Moreover, he underscored that all maritime trading nations—especially archipelagic countries like the Philippines—should be concerned about the freedom of navigation on the seas.

"China’s actions undermine this freedom, and thus over the long term, threatens Philippine maritime interests," Batangbacal said.

A Chinese vessel which introduced itself as a "naval warship" allegedly tried to block a Filipino-crewed Greek ship passing through Scarborough Shoal on September 30.

On Sunday, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the reported incident, in a way, does not concern the Philippines. “For as long as they do not touch a Philippine ship or vessel, it will be the concern of that country that carries the flag of that particular vessel," he said.

Batongbacal advised the Palace to be more careful in making such comments. "This is just so WRONG on several levels. When will someone stop Panelo from speaking out of turn on matters of foreign policy?" he said. —KBK, GMA News

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