Manila, Philippines: Senator Robin Padilla has taken a significant step towards increasing public understanding of the complex issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He filed Senate Resolution 864, urging the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to bolster its public information campaign. The resolution emphasizes the necessity for the government’s communications arm to clearly articulate relevant legal documents, international treaties, and bilateral and multilateral agreements to the public.
Key documents mentioned by Padilla include the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, and the Reciprocal Access Agreement. These form the foundation of the Philippine government’s policies and actions in addressing the territorial disputes in the WPS. Padilla underscored the importance of awareness while acknowledging that certain topics, potentially compromising national defense and security, should be excluded from public campaigns.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Padilla cited a statement from Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, who noted the seriousness of the ongoing tension between China and the Philippines over the WPS. Padilla expressed concerns about the risk of propaganda, misinformation, and fake news, especially on social media, which could undermine good governance and democracy. He stressed the PCO’s role in providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on security challenges facing the nation.
As of now, the PCO has not yet responded to GMA News Online’s request for comment regarding Padilla’s resolution.