Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada Refutes Claims on Alleged Philippines-China Deal Over BRP Sierra Madre
In a recent statement dated March 28, 2024, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada vehemently denied claims regarding an alleged deal between the Philippines and China concerning the BRP Sierra Madre’s presence at Ayungin Shoal. The senator reaffirmed his stance, previously declared in a privilege speech, that no agreement or promise was made by his father, former President Joseph Estrada, to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from its strategic maritime position.
Senator Estrada expressed his disappointment and labeled as “utterly unacceptable” the baseless allegations made by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who, according to Estrada, lacks access to such sensitive information. The senator criticized these statements for only adding confusion and doubt about the Philippines’ integrity and capability to defend its national security amidst increasing pressure and bullying from China.
Highlighting a period of relative “peace” in the West Philippine Sea during the nine-year administration of President Arroyo, Estrada questioned the silence and inaction of the subsequent administrations in asserting the country’s territorial rights. He commended the current efforts of the Marcos administration to protect the nation’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity against ongoing and escalating aggression by China.
Senator Estrada called for unity and firmness in defending the Philippines’ sovereignty and safeguarding its maritime territories, emphasizing the importance of these actions for both present and future generations.