bam aquino on benham rise

Sen. Bam on DFA’s decision to contest China-named features in the Philippine Rise

DFA’s declaration to contest the China-named features is one step toward safeguarding Philippine territory.

We hope they will follow through on the nullification of these Chinese names in Philippine Rise.

China has violated our sovereign rights in discovering these features and must not be given the honor of naming them.

Inaasahan natin na ipaglalaban na ng administrasyon ang Philippine Rise at susuportahan ang ating mga scientists sa pagsasagawa ng independent research sa ating teritoryo.

Sen. Bam: PH Rise is not for China to name

Benham Rise is clearly Philippine territory and its features are not for China to name.

It is only right that the government counter any further moves to name features of our territory and propose remedies for the two formally named by China through the International Hydrographic Organization.

I hope that the hearing I will chair on February 26 will bring clarity to the issue and help determine next steps.

It is imperative that we protect our territory from any foreign interest.

Dapat nang magkaroon ng matibay at malinaw na plano ang pamahalaan sa Philippine Rise, lalo ngayong unti-unti nang kumikilos ang China para ito’y angkinin.

Huwag nating isuko na parang West Philippine Sea ang napakahalagang yamang ito.

Sen. Bam: Don’t underestimate Filipino scientists

Sen. Bam Aquino said the government should tap the country’s best scientists to conduct research and exploration of Benham Rise, or now known as the Philippine Rise, instead of allowing China to do it.

 “Huwag nating maliitin ang kakayahan ng mga Pinoy scientist na magsagawa ng pananaliksik sa Benham Rise. Hindi natin kailangan ang China para gawin ito,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.

 In different interviews, some Filipino scientists claimed that they have already conducted research and exploration initiatives in Benham Rise, contrary to Malacanang’s declaration that only China can do it.

“Kung hindi nagkakamali, ginagawa na iyan for the past so many years. Kaya malaking pagkakamali na sabihing sa China lang tayo puwedeng sumandal para sa isyung ito,” added Sen. Bam.

Instead of tapping China, Sen. Bam said it is best for government to support initiatives of Filipino scientists to explore Benham Rise. “It is part of our territory, so it is best if we will be ones who will explore it,” said Sen. Bam.

Also, Sen. Bam called on the government to be transparent in its dealings with China regarding the exploration of Benham Rise.

 “There should be no secret deals with China,” said Sen. Bam, who is pushing for the passage of several measures pushing for welfare of Filipino scientists, researchers and startups as chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.

Among the committee’s priority measures are the Innovative Startup Act, Magna Carta for Scientists Act and the Balik Scientist Bill, all of which are principally sponsored by Sen. Bam.

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