Vice President Leni Robredo. File Photo/George Calvelo, ABS CBN News

MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a diplomatic protest against China for landing bombers on hotly contested islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

“Inuudyok natin ang ating Department of Foreign Affairs na magsampa ng diplomatic protest sa harap ng mga kaganapang ito. Maipapahayag nito ang mariin nating pagtutol sa mga naging aksyon ng bansang Tsina,” the Vice President said in a statement.

(We ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a diplomatic protest in light of these events. This should express our grave opposition to the actions of China.)

The Vice President said continued Chinese militarization of the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea was worrisome.

“Banta sa seguridad ng Pilipinas at ng buong rehiyon ang patuloy na pagdami ng mga kagamitang militar at walang tigil na pagtayo ng mga istraktura sa mga islang ito. Nakasaad sa ating Saligang Batas na ipinagbabawal ang presensiya ng anumang sandatang nuklear sa kahit na saang lugar sa Pilipinas,” Robredo said.

(The continued increase in the number of military equipment and non-stop building of structures in these islands are threats to the security of the Philippines and the region. Our Constitution prohibits the presence of any nuclear weapon anywhere in the Philippines.)

While Robredo thinks there is nothing wrong in pursuing diplomatic talks with China, this should not compromise Philippines' security.



“Inaasahan ng sambayang Pilipino ang pamahalaan nito na ipagtanggol nang buong tapang ang ating seguridad. Kung ang mismong pamahalaan ay hindi titindig para sa integridad ng ating teritoryo, saan pa aasa ang ating bayan?” Robredo said.

(The Filipino people are counting on this government to defend with all its might our security. If the administration itself would not stand up for the integrity of our territory, where else would we hope?)

Beijing's air force has landed bombers on islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of a training exercise in the disputed region.

One of the bombers also conducted assault training on a designated sea target and then carried out take-offs and landings at an airport in the area, describing the exercise as preparation for "the West Pacific and the battle for the South China Sea."

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Malacañang views China's recent moves as "not new," but this does not mean that the Philippines was not doing anything to raise Manila’s concerns with Beijing. He said the Philippine government just does not want to publicize its actions.

-- With reports from Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News