“China is condemnable over violation of a specific maritime law by disrespecting our exclusive economic zone. But our patriotic efforts should extend against the U.S. which has a long history of military interventions and war of aggression waged against us and other countries.”

BULACAN – Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) criticized Akbayan party-list’s proposal to form a West Philippine Sea (WPS) bloc in the House of Representatives, warning that it is biased toward the United States. They added that the said proposal disregards its harmful role in undermining Philippine sovereignty and fisherfolk livelihoods—alongside China’s maritime violations.

In a statement, Pamalakaya described Akbayan’s proposal as “one-sided and fails to recognize the sinister role of the United States in the territorial dispute.”

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña announced the formation of a WPS bloc in the House of Representatives to push for measures asserting Philippine sovereignty amid China’s growing maritime aggression. Proposed legislation includes mandating WPS history education, declaring July 12 as WPS Victory Day, and establishing a WPS Institute to focus on research, marine protection, and public awareness. The party-list group stressed that the initiative is anchored on the 2016 Hague ruling which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, and aims to counter Chinese disinformation with facts and education.

However, Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo raised concern over Akbayan’s “real motive” behind the proposal.

“While we agree that there is the constant need to amplify the situation in the West Philippine Sea, we question Akbayan’s real motive on its plan to create the West Philippine Sea bloc because we strongly suspect that Akbayan is partial on the side of the United States, refusing to acknowledge that the U.S. itself is the clear and present danger to our sovereignty and national security,” Arambulo said.

He highlighted the adverse impact of U.S.-Philippines military activities on local fishers, pointing to the recent Balikatan exercises as an example. According to Arambulo, the no-sail zones enforced during the April joint military drills in Cagayan and Zambales disrupted the livelihoods of more than 21,000 small-scale fishers.

The Philippine Coast Guard–Cagayan enforced a “No Sail Zone” in Aparri from May 3 to 4 to ensure maritime safety during the live-fire phase of the 40th Balikatan Joint Military Exercises, which began on April 21 and concluded on May 9. The PCG said that the measure aimed to prevent accidents at sea during coordinated operations between the Philippine and U.S. forces.

In Zambales, around 6,300 registered fisherfolk across six coastal towns were again forced to stay ashore due to the fishing ban implemented during the drills. Fishing boats in Barangay San Miguel, San Antonio, were seen idle, with locals expressing concern over the recurring disruptions caused by the annual military activity, which they say severely impacts their income and food security.
“China is condemnable over violation of a specific maritime law by disrespecting our exclusive economic zone. But our patriotic efforts should extend against the U.S. which has a long history of military interventions and war of aggression waged against us and other countries,” Arambulo said. (AMU, DAA)

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