DFA awaits PCG report on removal of China's floating barrier in Scarborough Shoal | The Final Word - video Dailymotion

CNN Philippines

A Senator opposes filing yet another diplomatic protest against China for putting up a floating barrier in Scarborough Shoal.  This, as the Foreign Affairs department awaits the coast guard's report on the blockade's removal.  More from Eimor Santos.   Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/  Follow our social media pages:  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines

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00:00 DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo says he learned only from news reports that the Philippine Coast Guard removed the floating barrier installed by China and Scarborough Shoal.

00:11 I only read it in the papers, I think, but if it's correct, I don't want to prejudge, but technically, since we had a right to practice our sovereignty and our sovereign rights,

00:24 it would have been a move that would be consistent with our position. But we're still waiting for the full report.

00:31 During a hearing of the proposed budget of DFA for next year, officials maintained that Scarborough Shoal lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

00:41 Therefore, we have the right to take advantage of whatever's there. Any obstacle or any kind of harassment is not in accordance with UNCLOS.

00:51 Actually, if there's someone who has the right to put obstacles there, it might be us. But we won't do that.

00:57 We should allow also fisher folk from other countries.

01:01 But Manalo says he has to read the Coast Guard's official report before deciding on whether to lodge a diplomatic protest.

01:09 For Senator Bato de la Rosa, yet another filing is not good strategy.

01:14 We'll also probably ask our embassy in Beijing to go to the Chinese foreign ministry.

01:20 We are sick and tired of all these diplomatic protests.

01:24 It's like nothing happened. They didn't take action. They ignored it.

01:28 If possible, if I'm still the Secretary of Affairs, I'll call the ambassador.

01:37 I'll ask him to come here. I'll get you drunk. Then, we'll discuss it.

01:42 Senators say the DFA should implement projects that will make Filipinos understand the West Philippine Sea issue,

01:49 including our arbitral victory that states that the Philippines has sovereign rights over areas within its exclusive economic zone that China contests.

01:59 Lawmakers maintain the Philippines won't go to war with China but should strengthen its soft power or influence.

02:07 Persuasive approach in using the economy and culture to co-opt rather than to coerce.

02:15 This approach of President Marcos, we have to back that up.

02:19 DFA says it has increased cooperation with countries like Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Vietnam.

02:27 De la Rosa wants to give it a confidential fund for strategic purposes, but the agency made no such request.

02:35 The Senate Committee on Finance has approved the proposed P24 billion budget of DFA.

02:41 Amor Santos, CNN, Philippines.

DFA awaits PCG report on removal of China's floating barrier in Scarborough Shoal | The Final Word

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