MALATE, Manila — Intense backlash erupted after Dr. Jose Antonio 'Ka Pep' Ejercito Goitia, chairman emeritus of the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, condemned China’s statement that Palawan is supposedly part of its territory.
In a bold declaration, Goitia described China's claim as “ludicrous” and a “blatant violation of international law” even as he emphasized that this assertion is not only baseless but also an “insult to the knowledge of Filipinos about their own history and culture.”
Representing various patriotic organizations, including the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reform (PADeR), the Alyansa ng Bayan Para sa Demokrasya at Kapayapaan (ABKD) and Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), Goitia insisted that China's claim directly contradicts the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLoS), an agreement that China itself has signed.
He further stated that China's ongoing expansion poses a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines.
“The oppression we are experiencing from a country we once considered a close ally in trade and cultural exchange is undeniable,” he stressed while lamenting the loss of centuries-long relationships built on respect and trust.
Goitia, who is also the President and first nominee of the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas Party List (ABP Party List), criticized China's historical revisionism, which he claims distorts the truth to justify its aggression toward Philippine territory.
“(The Chinese) should be ashamed for betraying the goodwill of (their) ancestors, who regarded Filipinos as close friends since trade between Manila (then known as Maynila) and erstwhile Peking (now Beijing) began hundreds of years ago,” he stated.
ABP's first nominee likewise strongly condemned China's actions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the intimidation and harassment of Filipino fishermen and military personnel.
He pointed out the deceptive economic agreements made during the Duterte administration, which he alleged were used as a smokescreen for ongoing territorial claims.
“This nonsense must come to an end. We will not allow you to seize our sovereign territory and rewrite history to further your expansionist agenda,” he warned, reinforcing the nation's stance against China's blatant disregard for Philippine sovereignty.
Goitia's statement has further heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, as patriotic Filipinos continue to unite against Beijing's aggression in the region.
International experts have weighed in on the issue, asserting that China's claims in the South China Sea—including areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ)—have been repeatedly rejected by international courts of arbitration.
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague established that China's asserted “historical rights” have no legal basis, yet Beijing continues to disregard this finding.
And amidst the escalating tensions, patriotic movements like the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement have vowed to intensify their resistance against China's encroachment.
“Respect international maritime law,” Goitia insisted, reminding Beijing that it is a signatory to UNCLoS as Filipinos will not remain silent while Philippine sovereignty is trampled upon.”
As the diplomatic conflict deepens, pressure mounts on the Philippine government to defend its rights in its waters, Goitia and his allies said that they will remain resolute in their stance, saying “the Filipino people will not yield.”

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